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With the Minnesota Vikings once again looking at some significant issues along the offensive line, they have used their first selection in the 2021 NFL Draft on someone they hope can anchor the line for a long time.
Christian Darrisaw
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Date of Birth: 2 June 1999 (21 years old)
College: Virginia Tech University
Drafted: Round 1, #23 overall
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 325 pounds
Career accomplishments: First-Team All-ACC (2020)
Twitter handle: @Bigdawgchris1
With the 23rd pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have selected Christian Darrisaw, an offensive tackle from Virginia Tech.
Darrisaw was the starter at left tackle for the past three seasons for the Hokies, playing in 35 games during that time. He had an outstanding season in 2020, garnering First-Team All-ACC honors. He projects to step in immediately at left tackle for a Vikings’ team that has been looking for stability at the position for what seems like forever.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic has Darrisaw as his #3 offensive tackle in this year’s draft class and #17 overall on his Big Board. Here’s what Brugler has to say about Darrisaw:
Keeping his weight over his toes, Darrisaw shows efficient slide quickness in pass pro and he is a bulldozer in the run game, unlocking his hips to create movement or seal block. While he shows the ability to manhandle defenders once he locks on, he tends to hit the cruise control button towards the end and his lack of a killer instinct is unsatisfying. Overall, I wish Darrisaw was a more consistent finisher, but he has outstanding body control and feet for a man his size and shows the technique and torque to be an NFL starter at either tackle or guard.
Brugler does mention Darrisaw’s ability to potentially play guard, but given the Vikings’ real lack of an answer at left tackle with Riley Reiff’s release, it would be surprising if the Vikings didn’t put him at that spot from the get-go.
Welcome to Minnesota, Christian Darrisaw!