4 players that must step up for the Vikings in the 2022 season
By Luke Parrish
Christian Darrisaw – LT
The Vikings drafted Christian Darrisaw with their first-round selection in 2021 with the expectation that he would solve the issues on the offensive line. While he was far from an eyesore as a rookie, he did battle injuries and did not play nearly as much as the Vikings would have liked last season.
Darrisaw had some bright moments last season but the Vikings will want to see more in 2022. Two of the offensive tackles taken before Darrisaw were excellent as rookies, including Rashawn Slater who was taken a pick prior to the Vikings’ original draft slot.
If Slater had been available with the 14th pick, Minnesota likely would not have traded back and would be entering 2022 with complete confidence in both of their offensive tackles.
Instead, Darrisaw has to prove himself in a larger role and he must become the first-round player that the Vikings believed he would be when they submitted his card. It is unfair to write Darrisaw off after just one season, especially considering he was pretty solid in an injury-ridden season, but the Vikings do want to see a leap.
Pass protection has been a point of emphasis for nearly a decade with virtually zero results to show for it. If Darrisaw takes a sophomore leap, the Vikings could be in a great spot offensively.