Christian Darrisaw NFL Draft Profile Overview
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 314 pounds
School: Virginia Tech University
2021 NFL Draft Profile: Christian Darrisaw
Every NFL Draft, there are several high-caliber and efficient offensive tackles selected high in the first round. The 2021 NFL Draft is no exception with five to six tackles projected to be drafted in the first draft. Among those is Virginia Tech Hokies three-year starter Christian Darrisaw, who has played several positions on the offensive line. During his college career he performed best at left tackle. The Hokies have been trying to develop their program back to their ACC Conference Championship contending ways. Their play at the quarterback position has gotten in the way of becoming an elite offense, but their play along the offensive line was one of the best in the ACC largely due to the stellar play of Darrisaw.
He came into his junior season as one of the most well-established tackles in the ACC and the nation. Despite the continuing struggles of the Hokies offense, Darrisaw played stellar in his third year as a starter. Throughout the 11 games in 2020, Darrisaw only allowed six pressures and no sacks. He finished the 2020 college football season with a 95.6 overall grade by Pro Football Focus. He is currently the 15th overall ranked player and the third-ranked offensive tackle by Pro Football Focus. Darrisaw is regarded as one of the top blindside protectors in the 2021 NFL Draft class. There will be several teams looking to make a big push to draft an athletic and dynamic left tackle when the draft comes.
Strengths
- Highly athletic for a bigger offensive lineman
- Quick and nimble lateral mover along the line of scrimmage and run blocks
- Has great size and long arms
- Excellent reach blocker in the run game
- Able to shift to the defensive lineman’s outside shoulder to keep him out of the play
- Has the speed and agility to get to the second and third level
- Able to contain speedy, aggressive, and strong edge rushers
Weaknesses
- Often stands too high which can throw him off-balance
- Needs work on his footwork in pass protection
- Often lacks intensity in the push and pull maneuvers
- Lacks consistency to keep defenders locked in arms length
- Has problems bending his knees
- His lack of intensity also contributes to aggressive first punch
- Doesn’t finish plays
NFL Comparisons: Russell Okung (Carolina Panthers)
Teams With Needs At The Position: Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Football Team
Projection: Mid-to-late first round
Bottom Line on Christian Darrisaw
With the 2021 NFL Draft having a primary focus on the passing game, three of the most needed positions will be quarterback, receiver, and blindside blockers. The need for players like Darrisaw could push teams to select him early or potentially trade for him. Darrisaw is one of the most athletic tackles in this draft class. His impact on the field makes him a tough tackle to beat. While there are several areas where he is lacking, those are easily coachable. They can also be addressed in the meeting room and weight room.
Teams that will have an interest in the athletic left tackle will already have a reliable quarterback on their roster. Teams like the Vikings and Chargers have a franchise quarterback but need to keep the pocket clean. Darrisaw will likely be selected within the middle of the first round as opposed to the bottom of the first round. The need for an offensive tackle like Darrisaw has been consistent for several years. He has more upside to become a long-time and reliable blindside blocker rather than a bust if utilized and developed correctly.
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