Minnesota released left tackle Riley Reiff this offseason. Then, Reiff signed with the Bengals in free agency, leaving a hole at the left tackle spot.
That spot could very well be filled by Minnesota’s first-round pick: Christian Darrisaw. So Darrisaw will have to adjust to the NFL quickly and lock down an important role on the offensive line.
Minnesota offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak talked about how the rookie has adjusted thus far:
“He’s exceeded expectations, cause he’s very bright,” Klint Kubiak said. “He puts in the work, he takes the coaching points from coach [Rick] Dennison and coach [Phil] Rauscher and when he’s been out there, he’s taken it to the field. So he just needs to get more reps, cause reps are key. He missed a few of them, but he’s going to get them back. We’re going to get our money’s [worth] out of him come fall camp.”
It’s not just Darrisaw. The Vikings may have another rookie start on the offensive line in 2021. Wyatt Davis, a third-round pick this year, has a chance at a guard spot after a promising collegiate career at Ohio State. If that ends up being the case, it’s not a given that Davis will be consistently good every game of the regular season. Darrisaw being good right away would certainly help the unit.
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