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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Christian Darrisaw, 2021 NFL Draft
Dec 26, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) and Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller (40) chase a fumble by quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Darrisaw recovered the fumble. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Minnesota Vikings

2021 Stats:

  • 12 Games Played
  • 10 Games Started

Two Virginia Tech players in a row came off the board as cornerback Caleb Farley went to the Tennessee Titans at pick No. 22 and offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw followed him at No. 23 as the Minnesota Vikings brought him in.

A groin injury slowed him down as he missed the first four games of the season and then didn’t start right away either. However, he wound up with 10 starts in 12 games and played very well. As Ali Siddiqui of The Viking Age pointed out, he scored high with PFF and could be the long-term answer at left tackle for the Vikings.

"“The Vikings drafted Darrisaw with their first-round pick in 2021, and although he missed the first four games of his rookie season due to a groin injury, he played well during the rest of the campaign, and he showed plenty of promise. Pro Football Focus gave him a 71.8 grade for his performance during the 2021 season (36th out of 84 qualifying tackles).” — Siddiqui, The Viking Age"

Minnesota didn’t do so well with Riley Reiff in free agency but being able to land Darrisaw at No. 23 and possibly lock down one of the most important positions on offense was a huge win.

Grade: B+

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