With the 23rd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings draft Christian Darrisaw, offensive tackle out of Virginia Tech. The Vikings want to be a run-first team under Mike Zimmer, since they have Dalvin Cook running the ball. While Minnesota has had to air it out a bit more recently, that could change this season, after the addition of Darrisaw.
Christian Darrisaw Highlights
Christian Darrisaw NFL Draft Profile and Player Info
Christian Darrisaw
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 314 lbs
Age: 21
College: Virginia Tech Hokies
Christian Darrisaw Draft Profile
Strengths
Darrisaw has some of the greatest power and strength in this draft. When he gets his hands on defenders, he can punish them. He has also shown more than capable of stopping power rushers in their tracks with a single punch. Darrisaw maintains his center of gravity and never overextends. Playing in the ACC, he has plenty of experience and tape against premier edge rushers.
Weaknesses
Darrisaw has been prone to waiting too long and being too patient in his pass protection. He also played in a run-heavy scheme, which limits his overall experience in pass protection against edge rushers, which certainly is a con in the pass-happy NFL. While Darrisaw doesn’t overextend, his footwork could still be improved.
RELATED | Full Christian Darrisaw NFL Draft Profile and Highlights
What to Expect From Christian Darrisaw in 2021
This man is pure power. Christian Darrisaw is going to be a bulldozer for the Vikings. He’s a Day 1 starter who should hold down the spot for well over a decade. Darrisaw needs to work on some technique and his overall aggressiveness in pass protection, but this is a skill that can be learned. Once he has this mentality down, Vikings fans could be calling this pick a steal.
