Grading the Minnesota Vikings 2021 rookie class after year one

Christian Darrisaw – OT

Grade: B+

The Vikings were able to trade back in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and still address their biggest need at left tackle with Christian Darrisaw out of Virginia Tech. Darrisaw had a rough start to his career, as he came into the league still recovering from a groin injury suffered during his last season as a Hokie.

The injury caused him to miss minicamp, OTAs, and the majority of training camp as he was forced to have minor surgery on his core. He eventually got healthy and was inserted into the starting lineup in Week 6.

Darrisaw was instantly a major upgrade over Rashod Hill and provided sound protection for Kirk Cousins’ blindside. That is very impressive considering all the time he missed with that injury. He ended up starting 10 games for the Vikings and appeared in 12.

Darrisaw did have some struggles late in the season, but overall the Vikings have to be very happy with their choice. Darrisaw, by all accounts, appears to be the team’s left tackle of the future, and if they can upgrade the interior, the Vikings’ offensive line has a chance to be very good for a very long time.