Over the next couple of months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up into the 2021 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.
Today, we are taking a look at Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw.
Vitals
Height | 6-5
Weight | 314
One-Liner
Darrisaw is an enormous lineman with size, length and highly impressive athleticism, physicality and movement skills to match, but his hand use needs further development.
Highlights
Christian Darrisaw vs. Boogie does not end well for number 9 pic.twitter.com/6fBjb0ddV1
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) December 16, 2020
Look at Christian Darrisaw (#77) get all the way down the field while lead blocking this run.
Waits for the screen and leads the entire way. Awesome stuff. pic.twitter.com/hensbx8E5D
— Garrett Ballard (@NflBallard) December 6, 2020
Virginia Tech OT Christian Darrisaw (@Bigdawgchris1) has the makings of an NFL left tackle. Really good size, great length, and flashes of excellence on film. A very high ceiling for one of the best tackles in the nation. #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/BcLWQqbtlD
— Jack Borowsky (@Jack_Borowsky) July 3, 2020
Love Christian Darrisaw's mentality and aggressiveness. No one blitzing off the edge, he finds work and lays a man out. Pass pro doesn't have to be passive at all. pic.twitter.com/xboYpWOIMA
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) January 20, 2021
Strengths
Massive man with a great build and the long arms.
Locks down pass rushers once he gets his aggressive hands on them.
Anchors well in his pass-sets, staying relaxed prior to punch.
Powerful blocker in the run game and shows the leverage, balance and nastiness to be a finisher at the first and second levels.
High-level athlete on the move, showing excellent foot speed and agility when asked to move off his spot.
Can get depth with his kick-step and cut off the edge, agile enough to reset and protect his inside shoulder from there.
Always on alert and avoids tunnel vision.
34 career starts. Gave up zero hits or sacks on 293 pass-block snaps in 2020, per Pro Football Focus
Weaknesses
Wide hands and exposes his chest. Doesn’t trust his punch timing, causing him to catch rushers.
Hand placement is sporadic, often landing outside his target.
Tendency to duck his head and lean into defenders.
When mirroring, will open hips, often giving up depth by doing this instead of anchoring to meet the pass-rusher.
Chargers Fit
Darrisaw projects as a NFL starter at left tackle. He is solid in most areas but his excellent ability in pass protection, physicality in the run game and overall size and length give him a high ceiling.