2021 NFL draft: Minnesota Vikings land Virginia Tech OT Christian Darrisaw

One pick after the Tennessee Titans selected former Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley; the Minnesota Vikings picked his former teammate, offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw, at No. 23 overall in the 2021 NFL draft.

This is a great pick for the Vikings. I thought Darrisaw should’ve landed in the top 20, with the Washington Football Team or Indianapolis Colts being his floor at No. 21. However, when Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater lasted until No. 13, it pushed Darrisaw down the board a bit.

Count me among those shocked that the Oakland Raiders selected Alabama offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood over Darrisaw. While Leatherwood is a good player, I believe Darrisaw is the better player with the higher upside.

Much like Farley, Darrisaw is a great story. A former three-star recruit who didn’t have many options coming out of high school, chose the Hokies and improved every season. He has the size, light feet and long arms to be a standout left tackle for a decade.

Having Darrisaw and Farley go in the first round is a good sign for Virginia Tech’s coaching staff. However, neither were standout recruits who worked hard and developed each year under this staff.

Darrisaw’s new quarterback is certainly happy.

Congratulations to Christian Darrisaw. Go be an All-Pro.