Grading all of the Vikings first-round draft picks since 2018
By Dean Jones
Christian Darrisaw – OT
- No 23 overall selection
After Riley Reiff left the Minnesota Vikings, finding a productive left tackle from the college ranks was a top priority last year. Thankfully for the organization, a slight drop in Christian Darrisaw’s original projection was all those in power needed to bring him on board.
Darrisaw’s injury problems prevented him from making an immediate impact. This was frustrating for all parties involved, but there was plenty to like about his production once installed into the lineup full-time.
In 652 snaps for the Vikings last season, Darrisaw gave up five sacks and conceded three penalties en route to an encouraging 71.9 grade from Pro Football Focus. There were some complicated moments, which isn’t uncommon, but the ceiling remains high, providing the blindside protector gets a full offseason to hone his craft.
If Darrisaw can do this, then Minnesota will have a reliable bookend tackle tandem that could mean great things moving forward.
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Draft Grade: B
It will be interesting to see what improvements Darrisaw can make this offseason. If he cleans things up and benefits from his newly acquired NFL experience, then a true breakout campaign is well within reach.