4 players the Vikings can feel more comfortable about in 2022
By Dean Jones
Christian Darrisaw – OT
It took a while for Christian Darrisaw to get on the field during his rookie campaign due to injury. The Vikings were also extra cautious during his initial transition, which was entirely understandable given the investment made in what they hope will become their franchise left tackle moving forward.
Darrisaw certainly looked the part, demonstrating exceptional hand placement and footwork that made him such a coveted draft prospect. There have been no problems on the injury front this offseason, which has seen the second-year-pro draw rave reviews thanks to his superb performance levels throughout camp and joint practices.
The Virginia product was even compared to Trent Williams, who is widely regarded as the league’s most prolific edge protector. High praise for someone with just 652 NFL snaps under his belt.
Providing Darrisaw’s health doesn’t alter during the season, the Vikings have a genuine bookend tackle tandem that can become one of the league’s best in no time at all.
Brian O’Neill’s consistency is unquestioned, and he’s already a cornerstone, so if Darrisaw can also make the necessary improvements, it’ll do Minnesota’s chances of postseason football the world of good.