LT, Virginia Tech

Update: Christian Darrisaw Vikings. The Minnesota Vikings stole Christian Darrisaw late in the 1st round.

Christian Darrisaw has all the tools to succeed as an NFL offensive tackle, but where did they come from? He wasn’t always considered one of the top players at his position. As a matter of fact, he was only a three star recruit out of Riverdale Baptist in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. His only other offers came from Central Connecticut, Morgan State, and North Carolina Central. I guess I would say that college scouts and recruiters whiffed on this young man.

High School

His high school coach never understood why Power Five teams weren’t more interested in Darrisaw. One article states that Darrisaw played against 4-5 FBS level defensive ends annually in high school. He did more than hold his own. Maybe we can attribute his quick growth and maturity to his time spent at a military school to help with his academics prior to him joining the Hokies. No one knows for sure. However, we do know is that he immediately stepped into the role of starting left tackle. By doing this he had to face now NFL star in the making Brian Burns out of Florida State. He was one of only 9 true freshman o-lineman to start in week one. Darrisaw went on to be recognized as a freshman All-American by 247 Sports.

Virginia Tech

On the film you can see that Darrisaw continued to learn, grow, and improve as a player. He gained 25 pounds in his time as a Hokie and his ability on the field progressed from week to week. All this from the young man who no major team wanted, other then Virginia Tech that is. So what does the tape tell us about him that we don’t already know? I’m going to disagree with a few scouts evaluations of him in a couple areas, but I stand firm in my assessment. This young man is destined to play in the NFL, but he has a few areas I’d like to see continued improvement.

Weaknesses

Many scouts have him rated higher as a run blocker than a pass blocker, but I do not. I don’t see a mean streak in him at all. Very rarely does he drive his assignment into the turf, nor does he seek players out on the second level in the run game. I know they run more of a zone scheme, but I would love to see him be a bit more aggressive and look to really get into second level defenders. He tends to be passive and just float on some plays. I want to see that heart come out a bit more like a Trent Williams of the 49ers.

He doesn’t always get good push with his hands at the point of attack allowing defenders to almost bend him backwards from time to time. That concerns me as to what an NFL bull rusher will do to him. However, he tends to recover with his strength and athleticism and I believe this will be coached out of him.

Lastly I think he needs to learn which line to take against speed rushers. He isn’t horrible about it but from time to time he lets them get too deep before trying to engage, and he isn’t able to push them past the pocket. That being said, when he does get his hands into the speed rushers he tends to push them well past the QB, I’d just like to see it more regularly.

Strengths

This kid has the prototypical size, standing tall at 6’5″ and tipping the scales at 315 pounds. He is a good athlete for the size and shows quick feet and fluid hips for a walking refrigerator. Those fluid hips are his strength in the run game. He is able to turn and wall off defenders to open running lanes. The first level isn’t an issue for him in the run game. However, he could use work on the second level. He has good knee bend, but could still improve there a bit.  Every once in a while he stands too tall, but he is almost always able to recover. Recovering after you think you’ve been beat shows his will and determination, and I love that in a player.

Darrisaw has plenty of experience as a three year starter and has seen most everything. In the film I see him make good decisions against blitzes and stunts, though some scouts may disagree. I wonder if they ever played O-line? Overall, I really like what I see out of him as a blocker and the few weaknesses in his game can be coached up. I see him being able to stay on the left side of the line in the NFL, but a year on the right to warm him up wouldn’t hurt.

Darrisaw continues to get better and I love his story. The fact that he has earned every bit of praise and notoriety he is receiving right now. From his time in high school when no one seem interested, to NFL Draft Night in April, this young man has done nothing besides work and apply himself. If he continues that, and continues to trend upward, he will make a solid player for which ever team calls on him.

Team Fits

I like him more as a zone scheme blocker, and to some people’s chagrin I think he is going to be an excellent pass blocker in the NFL. That being said, there are a couple of tackles that will be taken before him. I see him being drafted mid to late first round. Depending on how the board falls, he would be a nice fit with the Washington Football Team. As a Colts fan, I wouldn’t complain one bit if he took over for Castonzo either. I could see Quenton Nelson could teaching him some nastiness. One team drafting in the 20’s that should take him if he is still there is Jacksonville, in order to replace Cam Robinson.