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See for yourself what Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw brings to the table as a 2021 NFL draft prospect
As we look ahead to the 2021 NFL draft, it’s time to get acquainted with some of the top prospects in this year’s class.
What does Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw bring to the table? Check out the film and see for yourself:
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The Los Angeles Chargers trade back and still make of the most of their selections in Gavino Borquez’ latest four-round mock draft.
The Chargers have the No. 13 overall selection in this year’s draft, but there’s the possibility of the thought of moving back and acquiring more picks via trade with a quarterback-needy team could intrigue.
In this case, the Bears, who have a quarterback controversy, choose to move up seven spots to get their signal-caller of the future. In return, Los Angeles gets their first, third and fifth-round picks.
Let’s take a look at how the Bolts’ draft shakes up after trading back in my latest four-round projection.
Sam Tevi is a pending free agent and Trey Pipkins hasn’t done enough to warrant starter status. Therefore, the Chargers are in need of a reliable, long-term left tackle. Darrisaw has been commonly mocked to Los Angeles at No. 13, but he still falls in their laps here seven picks later.
Starting in all 35 games for the Hokies, Darrisaw earned second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-ACC accolades for his play last season. In 2020, he only allowed six total pressures on 267 snaps in pass protection.
The 6-foot-5 and 314 pounder is smooth in pass pro, showing anchor ability and body control. In the run game, he flashes strength to move defenders. He shows solid ability to reach and has the athletic traits and movement skills when getting to the second level to pave the way.
Overall, Darrisaw projects as a strong NFL starter at left tackle with All-Pro upside.
Mike Pouncey retired and Dan Feeney is currently a pending free agent. Even if Feeney is re-signed, the Chargers need to add someone with high upside to offer competition because while he’s managed stay healthy, his play has been inconsistent.
Anchoring an offensive line that helped the Buckeyes average 266.8 rushing yards per game last season, Myers is a seasoned run blocker who possesses very good intelligence, athletic traits, and effort to block in space very effectively, while possessing good strength to anchor down vs bigger rushers.
Overall, Myers would be an immediate starter at center for the Chargers. Their scheme would allow him to maximize his athleticism, short area quickness, lateral movement to move defenders and pre-snap mental processing.
Josh Myers might actually be the more desirable Ohio State IOL member. Blocks the DT on the line he finds him and all the way out of the play pic.twitter.com/4HWojYimrj
— Daniel Harms (@D_Harms19) January 11, 2021
Melvin Ingram’s stint with the Bolts could be coming to an end since his contract is up. Therefore, L.A. could be looking for someone to compliment Uchenna Nwosu who fits the mold well as a rotational edge rusher/outside linebacker in Brandon Staley’s 3-4 scheme.
In his first season at UAB, Smith finished with 53 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one pass deflection. This past season in eight games, Smith amassed 22 tackles, nine for loss, 4.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and an interception.
Smith has the explosiveness, length and high motor to win around the edge at the next level and has the ability to hold his own the run game, but needs to improve his hand usage and add some counter moves to be a more well-rounded player.
The cornerback room needs some refinement this offseason. Michael Davis’ future with the team remains to be seen because he’s scheduled to be a free agent and both Casey Hayward and Chris Harris Jr. aren’t getting any younger.
The Chargers recently met with Williams, showing that they have interest in the 6-foot-2 and 198 pounder. During his career with the Orange, Williams amassed 92 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions and five pass breakups.
Williams is long, rangy, athletic, physical, and aggressive, thriving in both man and zone coverage. He also offers appeal as a special teamer as he had three return touchdowns in his three seasons. Staley covets position versatility and Williams can play cornerback, safety, or cover the slot.
Syracuse DB Trill Williams carries verticals very well. Bumps the receiver, has plenty of speed to stick and gets his head around. 👀🍊 pic.twitter.com/wDtVrOKkVM
— Lorenz (@ScoutingLenz) January 16, 2021
The goal is to build around QB Justin Herbert, which is why the Chargers go receiver here.
Schwartz, the 6-foot and 179 pound wideout, amassed 54 catches, 636 yards and three touchdowns this past season. He had 117 catches for 1,433 yards and six touchdowns in three seasons at Auburn.
The former track star who ran a 10.15-second 100 meter, is an excellent athlete who has very good speed to create constant separation and pull away from pursuing defenders. He also has the physical tools, tracking ability and soft hands.
Given how much Herbert likes to air it out, Schwartz could quickly become a consistent target and he could be a reliable return man for a struggling special teams.
Forrest Lamp is slated to be a free agent and his injury history and inconsistent play when healthy may be enough to warrant him not being re-signed by the Chargers.
Green was recruited as a defensive tackle but switched to the offensive line as a redshirt freshman. Green started 33 games for the Illini, with 29 games at left guard and four at center. This past season, he was named USA TODAY second team All-America and All-Big Ten first team.
At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Green has good movement skills, is as durable as it gets (33 straight starts) and plays with a nasty disposition. While his pass protection is still a work in progress, he has the foot quickness and explosiveness up front to be impactful.
Green projects to be a strong contributor inside either at guard or case — in this case at left guard. It may take him a year to carve up a starting role, but given his reactive athleticism and run blocking prowess, he profiles well to the next level.
The #Chargers need to replace Forrest Lamp with Illinois OG Kendrick Green (#53).
Green has good movement skills, is as durable as it gets (33 straight starts) and plays with a nasty disposition, as seen with these two knockdowns, including one to A.J. Epenesa. pic.twitter.com/wlOciuGs4I
— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) January 4, 2021
Christian Darrisaw is the pick for Indy in The Athletic’s latest mock.
There are still a few months to go before the Indianapolis Colts are on the clock in the 2021 NFL draft but some names have become more popular at No. 21 overall.
With Carson Wentz arriving as the new quarterback in Indy, the Colts are going to need to build around him. Taking a left tackle with their first pick is certainly on the docket, especially if one of the top prospects falls to them.
One of those prospects is Virginia Tech product Christian Darrisaw, who was the selection for Stephen Holder in the latest mock draft from The Athletic.
This isn’t necessarily as simple as taking the top offensive tackle on the board. At the same time … the Colts take the top offensive tackle on the board. Keeping their first-round choice in the Carson Wentz trade allows the Colts to shore up their left tackle spot after the retirement of Anthony Castonzo, and that’s great news for Wentz after his league-high 50 sacks in Philadelphia last season. Darrisaw can play in space, but he brings a physicality that will serve him well in Indy’s power-run game. — Stephen Holder
Finding Castonzo’s replacement will be necessary but the Colts may wait on doing so. They likely won’t have the option to go all out in free agency while the draft could offer a prospect they like more at No. 21 than Darrisaw, who perfectly fits what they need.
Free agency will have a lot of say in what happens during the draft but in this one, the Colts grab one of the best offensive tackle prospects in the class.
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They take Virginia Tech tackle Christian Darrisaw with their first-round selection.
In what direction will the Arizona Cardinals go when they are on the clock with the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft? They could go with an offensive lineman. They could target a cornerback or even a running back, based on where prospects are projected to be valued.
Draft Wire managing editor Luke Easterling released a new mock draft that covers three rounds. In these projections, the Cardinals go with a lineman to start and then use their next two picks to bolster the defense.
Colts get their LT in PFN’s mock draft.
Now that the Indianapolis Colts have their new quarterback in Carson Wentz, it is time for the organization to build around him. They can do so easily in the 2021 NFL draft.
Though free agency will give the Colts a chance to add some weapons and protection for Wentz, the draft is where they find their foundational pieces.
In a three-round mock draft from Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network, the Colts landed one of the best offensive tackles in the class in Christian Darrisaw out of Virginia Tech.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The retirement of Anthony Castonzo opened up tackle as a significant need for the Colts, but the recent addition of Carson Wentz via trade only compounds the need for security on the offensive line. Wentz has been a very good quarterback before, and Indianapolis has the coaching and the weapons necessary to support his rebound. All they need beyond that is a stable offensive line, and a tackle at No. 21 can get them that.
By virtue of the luck of the board, the Colts get a franchise left tackle with this pick. Virginia Tech blocker Christian Darrisaw has all the tools necessary to be a high-level starter for a decade or more.
At 6-foot-5, 314 pounds, he has the requisite size, and on tape, he’s a superb athlete who thrives in the open field. He’s also an intense, physical, aggressive blocker who doesn’t hesitate to impose his will. Darrisaw does need to refine his lateral footwork and hand placement, but for the Colts, he’s the right investment at the right time.
Though taking a tackle wouldn’t be a sexy pick, it would help the offense immensely if they could land someone like Darrisaw. The Virginia Tech product is a bully in the run game and moves extremely well in pass protection for his size (6-foot-4, 315 pounds).
Having Darrisaw learn on the fly next to Quenton Nelson would give the Colts an elite offensive line without missing a beat despite the retirement of longtime left tackle Anthony Castonzo.
Because this is a three-round mock, the Colts had one other pick in the second round. Cummings had the Colts go with former Kentucky cornerback Kelvin Joseph.
The Colts haven’t seen the desired linear growth from 2019 early second-round pick Rock Ya-Sin, and after a bounce-back season in 2020, veteran Xavier Rhodes is set to hit the free agent market.
Once again, cornerback is a need for the Colts, and one under-the-radar player who fits the Colts well is Kelvin Joseph. Joseph has only recently gained buzz as a draft prospect. Standing at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, he has plus length and flashes ball skills. He also has the athleticism and fluidity to position himself well. He could still add more consistency to his game, but he has the tools the Colts look for on the boundary.
The Colts would still need to add to the wide receiver and edge rusher positions, both of which can be done during free agency as well.
But coming away with Darrisaw would be a huge win for the Colts as the look to build around Wentz.
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Here is a look at some of the offensive tackles the Chargers could consider in each round of the 2021 NFL draft.
The offensive tackle spot sits near the top in regards to positional groups that need to be addressed in the upcoming draft for the Chargers.
Luckily, this year’s crop has starting caliber talent from the first day of the draft all the way until Day 3.
With that being said, here’s a tackle from each round that could fit in Los Angeles:
Darrisaw, the 6-foot-5 and 315 pounder, was a three-year starter with 34 starts in college, all of which came at left tackle. Allowing only six total pressures on 267 snaps in pass protection, he has good length, demonstrates good timing and quickness with his punches, and has plus grip strength.
In the run game is where Darrisaw is at his best, flashing good quickness moving forward. He shows solid ability to reach and has the athletic traits and movement skills when getting to the second level to pave the way for ball carriers.
Overall, Darrisaw projects as a strong NFL starter at left tackle with All-Pro upside.
Honorable Mention: Samuel Cosmi, Texas
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
Radunz only played in one game this past season, but he made 32 consecutive starts at left tackle to close out his collegiate career and the Bison went 32-0 in those games. He earned 79.1 and 87.2 pass-blocking grades in his 2018 and 2019 seasons, respectively, per PFF.
While he needs to get better at finishing blocks, Radunz has the athleticism, range, foot quickness and run-blocking temperament needed to succeed in the NFL. While he develops more mass and add bulk to his frame, his skillset suggests a high ceiling.
After not allowing a single sack and only giving up six total pressures on 358 pass-block snaps this past season, Hudson had still gone under the radar. However, he raised some eyebrows last month in Mobile, AL at the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
The former defensive lineman shows off lower body athleticism, a wide base, aggressive hands and competitive temperament to stay square to rushers in pass protection. In the run department, he shows the athletic ability when pulling and quickness to reach block.
Given the position transition, Hudson’s technique is still a work in progress and he could afford to add more mass and strength, but he has potential to be a high upside starter at tackle.
Honorable Mention: D’Ante Smith, East Carolina
James Hudson was MAULING out there against SMU… Can lockout/torque with the best of ‘em this class! @Cinco_Cinco3 pic.twitter.com/eFBjviZRlX
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) February 14, 2021
After starting 32 of 33 games, Brown decided to sit out of his final season due to the delay until the spring because of COVID-19. He used that time to train with former NFL offensive tackle Joe Staley to help improve his game in preparation for the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Towering at 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds, Brown has the combination of size, length and athleticism to thrive in the NFL. The former tight end is a mirroring magician in pass protection with smooth feet, plus core strength aggressive hands and flexibility.
While Brown is a premiere pass protector, he needs to develop more power and improve the finer details to the position that will lead to more success in the run department. With some refinement, he could be a quality starter at the next level.
Honorable Mention: Brady Christensen, BYU
Spencer Brown (Northern Iowa RT #76) should not have this type of lateral movement at 6'9. pic.twitter.com/U7k04Nwhrj
— Mike Spencer Hrynyshyn (@MikeH_Draft) July 22, 2020
Starting all 11 games in 2020, Ealy earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors. Ealy allowed only three sacks on 421 pass blocks, per Pro Football Focus. In 2019, he also secured Second-Team All-Big 12 marks, starting all 12 games. He appeared in 28 games in three seasons, starting 23 of them.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and 324 pounds, Ealy has the size that NFL teams are looking for. He has great footwork and decent movement skills for his size and he is an aggressive player moving forward in the running game. Ealy needs to refine his pass blocking technique, but he has the necessary traits to be counted on.
Honorable Mention: Walker Little, Stanford
Oklahoma RT Adrian Ealy (@adrian_ealy) has some very impressive film. He is athletic with great footwork. You see the potential he possesses. If he takes the next step, we are looking at a high pick come April. #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/4Qy4YkWcWx
— Jack Borowsky (@Jack_Borowsky) June 30, 2020
For the past three seasons, Moore served as Aggies’ starting left tackle, starting in 36-straight games. Moore was named a second-team All-SEC selection this season by the league’s coaches in 2020. He was a key piece of an offensive line that only allowed six sacks all season.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Moore has a guard frame with great length for the position. He is a decent athlete, showing foot quickness, lateral mobility and lower body power to generate movement. Moore’s hand usage needs work, but his skillset offers a solid developmental option.
Honorable Mention: Cole Van Linen, Wisconsin
Dan Moore Jr from Texas A&M is a fantastic run blocker. Really good raw strength and uses his leverage well. Concern over bend and overall athleticism, will cap his ceiling as a tackle. Another solid name in a very good senior tackle class. #2021NFLDraft #DraftTwittwr pic.twitter.com/NTKaun594t
— Jack Borowsky (@Jack_Borowsky) April 19, 2020
Ball was a former four-star recruit and member of Florida State, but he was dismissed after some off-field issues. After joining the Thundering Herd, he didn’t start until the 2020 season, where he asserted himself as a promising hog molly.
Checking in at 6-foot-7 and 309 pounds, Ball isn’t that hard to miss on the football with his giant-sized body. He is a powerful tackle, showing strong hands at the point of attack. Ball shows decent athleticism and adequate length to make it difficult for pass rushers to get around him.
Ball projects as a swing option on both sides at the next level, as he doesn’t possess a significant strength nor an unfixable weaknesses. If his baggage checks out, he would be an intriguing developmental piece.
Honorable Mention: Carson Green, Texas A&M
This pick would help shore up Minnesota’s leaky offensive line.
One of the biggest flaws for the Vikings in 2020, and over the last few years in general, has been the offensive line.
In Austin Gayle’s latest mock draft over at Pro Football Focus, Gayle has the Vikings drafted Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw.
Here’s what Gayle wrote about the pick:
Darrisaw is one of the bigger college football breakouts in 2020. A former three-star recruit out of Maryland, Darrisaw has improved his grade from 68.6 starting at left tackle in 2018 up to 95.6 playing the same position in 2020. The 6-foot-5, 350-pounder earned himself some money this season, for sure.
For those curious, there are four quarterbacks drafted before the Vikings pick at No. 14.
If the Vikings address the offensive line, they would (on paper) have a nice base of young talent with Darrisaw, Ezra Cleveland and Brian O’Neill.
You can check out Gayle’s full mock draft here.
A full 7-round mock draft.
As the Super Bowl concluded the 2020 season with Tom Brady winning yet another championship, the Indianapolis Colts can dive straight into preparing for free agency and the 2021 NFL draft.
Though free agency will help determine what path the Colts take during April’s draft, we can still take a look at what that haul might look like. In this mock draft, we won’t be conducting trades—even though I’m a firm believer in the Colts trading up for a quarterback. Those mock drafts will come later.
In this mock draft, we are assuming the Colts don’t trade up for a quarterback and instead have found a bridge piece in free agency and/or have re-signed Jacoby Brissett.
Using The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine, here’s a look at a seven-round mock draft following the Super Bowl:
Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez puts Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw under the microscope.
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.
Height | 6-5
Weight | 314
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Colts go OT in USA TODAY’s latest mock.
The upcoming offseason is one that will be filled with plenty of question marks surrounding the Indianapolis Colts, especially with what they will do during the 2021 NFL draft.
The big three needs for the Colts include quarterback, left tackle and edge rusher. Typically, teams with those needs are rebuilding. But not the Colts. They have a roster ready to win now.
In the latest mock draft from Nate Davis of USA TODAY, the Colts stayed put at No. 21 overall and selected offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw from Virginia Tech.
21. Indianapolis Colts – Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech:
Anthony Castonzo’s retirement leaves a void at left tackle for Indy’s otherwise stalwart offensive line. Barring a free agent signing or shuffling All-Pro LG Quenton Nelson outside, the path of least resistance might be drafting steady Darrisaw and leaving the other four starters in place.
For those wondering about a potential trade-up situation, it would have been difficult for the Colts to do so in this mock draft. Four quarterbacks went within in the top-eight picks in this mock.
In order to get that high in the draft order, the Colts are likely going to have to part ways with three first-round picks. That’s something difficult to predict when it comes to Chris Ballard.
If the Colts wind up trading for Matthew Stafford, it is likely that the No. 21 overall pick will be included so it is tough to gauge just what the draft may look like for Indy at this moment in the offseason.
If they do have that pick, though, a left tackle will certainly be near the top of the big board when Day 1 of the draft rolls around.
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