The Expert Opinion on Darrisaw
K. Joudry
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In the first round of the NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected Christian Darrisaw. Here is what the draft experts have to say about him.
Pro Football Focus – 15th Best Prospect
“Darrisaw showed up in 2020 a different player than he was in his first two years at Virginia Tech. In his first game against N.C. State, outsiders could tell he was a different player. He went on to not allow a single sack or hit all season, with his lowest single-game grade being 77.5. The sheer number of positively graded run blocks he generated is stunning. He’s uniquely capable of moving men against their will. Just ask North Carolina linebacker Chazz Surratt, who ended up 30 yards downfield with Darrisaw on one play. While he’s not the most fleet of foot, you aren’t going through the Virginia Tech left tackle.”
The Draft Network – 12th Best Prospect
“Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw earned the opportunity to start for the Hokies as a true freshman and did nothing but improve for three seasons, developing into a dominant blocker in 2020. From a size, length, and mobility standpoint, Darrisaw firmly checks the boxes and should immediately become an asset to an NFL franchise in pass protection, outside zone runs, and utilizing his exceptional ability to pull and connect with moving targets in space. Like most young offensive linemen, Darrisaw has room to add functional strength to improve his overall power at the point of attack, but it’s far from a deficiency that is of major concern. The amount of technical growth Darrisaw has demonstrated throughout the course of his career is exciting when considering his starting point for the next level and how he peaked at the perfect time. It shouldn’t take long for Darrisaw to earn a starting role in the NFL and he has the upside to become a standout, franchise left tackle.”
TVG‘s Instant Reaction:
Once we got into double digits and there were still two QBs on the board – Mac Jones and Justin Fields – things were looking good for the Vikings to trade down. Once Slater went to the Chargers (great pick for them), it seemed very likely. Now, the Jets didn’t move up to snag a QB like I thought someone would, but the effect is the same: Minnesota traded back from 14th to 23rd, picking up two thirds in the process. They got a really good haul, one that will allow them to move up into the second round if they want to. They now have four third-round picks and three fourth-round picks.
At 23, the Minnesota Vikings made Christian Darrisaw their first round selection. It’s a great move. Darrisaw is a player who marries value and need for Minnesota. He is the front runner for the LT job on Day 1 of the 2021 season. Vikings fans ought to be excited about this pick.
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