Minnesota Vikings Select (LT) Christian Darrisaw With #23 Overall Pick

Photo: Ivan Morozov

After trading back earlier in the night, the Minnesota Vikings have officially made their first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. With the #23 overall pick, they’ve selected (LT) Christian Darrisaw of Virginia Tech. Most people expected Darrisaw to go in the top-15 and Spielman got him at #23, after adding two 3rd-rounders. I’d have to call that a victory.




Athletically gifted left tackle prospect with the natural talent to be as good as he wants to be. Darrisaw plays with plus body control. He has the initial quickness and smooth agility to get to any and all blocks in the run game. The tape shows a player who’s able to make jaw-dropping cutoffs on the backside but who gives half-hearted effort securing down blocks and squeezing down to help protect the B-gap. He’s flexible and loose in pass pro, with the foot quickness and hand strength to punch and close up shop on would-be edge rushers. His mirror can get a little lazy at times, and he will definitely need to do a better job of finishing his blocks. The low-burn field demeanor leads to inconsistencies in play, but the athletic traits and talent as a true left tackle should create first-round demand as a higher-ceiling, lower-floor prospect.

NFL.com


Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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