R1.23 Christian Darrisaw

[Thaumaturgist]

Man, am I excited we've got some OLine help! Here is some videos I found of Christian Darrisaw.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Very happy with this pick! Some excellent wheeling and dealing by Spielman.

Some fun stats on Darrisaw.....

-Highest graded power 5 pass blocker in the draft (94.5)
-Allowed 0 sacks and 0 QB hits in 2020
-Only allowed 6 total hurries in 2020
-Posted the 2nd best PFF grade for a power 5 tackle EVER (only behind Sewell's 2019 season)

....also

-Darrisaw is a sub-sea-level-firing hammer in the run game as a seek and destroy terror on pulls and in the second level. A sound, patient technician in pass pro with electricity in his hands

[Maelstrom88]

https://youtu.be/rZEHvaNfVb4

Good breakdown that has me more optimistic. Does he start at LT?

[VikingLord]

Very happy with this pick! Some excellent wheeling and dealing by Spielman.

Some fun stats on Darrisaw.....

-Highest graded power 5 pass blocker in the draft (94.5)
-Allowed 0 sacks and 0 QB hits in 2020
-Only allowed 6 total hurries in 2020
-Posted the 2nd best PFF grade for a power 5 tackle EVER (only behind Sewell's 2019 season)

....also

-Darrisaw is a sub-sea-level-firing hammer in the run game as a seek and destroy terror on pulls and in the second level. A sound, patient technician in pass pro with electricity in his hands

Two things I like most about Darrisaw:

- Improved every year he started in college despite being a starter from his first year in college. That "arc of improvement" is a big indicator of future success as a pro IMHO. It shows he wants to learn and improve, at that is despite his tremendous natural gifts which would allow him to largely coast if he wanted.
- Good personality and smart guy. He'll fit into the team and be a positive influence on those around him rather than a distraction. Players who know when and how to lead and when and how to follow are a big part of unit and team success, and Darrisaw checks those boxes as well.

Great value pick at #23.

[VikingPaul73]

Great value pick at #23.

Indeed
and extra picks to boot!

[Bowhunting Viking]

Great value pick at #23.

Indeed
and extra picks to boot!

And I just read on PFT Speilman said that when they were 4 or 5 picks away they were really worried they wouldn't get him so bvb they were trying to trade back up. Said they weren't able to. So they ended up with him AND kept the draft capital they got for trading back. If he's honest that makes this pick even better!

[Thaumaturgist]

My only concern after watching some tape is that it appears like the effort just isn't there at times. Hopefully something in MN can keep him motivated.

[Maelstrom88]

My only concern after watching some tape is that it appears like the effort just isn't there at times. Hopefully something in MN can keep him motivated.

I have seen that written about him and on tape. That is worrisome but the more I watched him it looks like he only slacks if the play is 10 yards away from him in any direction. Not great or excusable but better than getting lazy with technique and getting your QB or RB blindsided.

[S197]

My only concern after watching some tape is that it appears like the effort just isn't there at times. Hopefully something in MN can keep him motivated.

It's odd because there are some reports he needs to put in more effort and others that he plays with this nasty mean streak. Very confusing. In any case, I think it was a good pick with good value, hopefully he works out. We now have invested two 1sts and two 2nds into our OL. Even if we don't grab a guard in the 3rd/4th (we should), I don't know that there's another team with this much draft capital invested in OL. The time to perform is now. Another bottom of the league pass blocking line is going to be a huge indictment against Rick and Zimmer.

[VikingsVictorious]

My only concern after watching some tape is that it appears like the effort just isn't there at times. Hopefully something in MN can keep him motivated.

He had enough effort that his QB never got sacked or even hit. I honestly don't think effort will be a problem.

[VikingLord]

My only concern after watching some tape is that it appears like the effort just isn't there at times. Hopefully something in MN can keep him motivated.

I'd characterize Darrisaw's effort as he puts forth the effort necessary to make the play a success. He's not looking for extra credit. He does what he needs to do, even if that isn't all he could do. But I can't say that if he does what he needs to do that isn't enough. In almost every highlight or draft video analysis of his play, when he did what he was asked to do he was successful at it, many times easily successful. He plays with intent and awareness and I think that will serve him very well in the pros.

[VikingsVictorious]

One thing clear from the draft is that the NFL as a whole does not value Darrisaw as much as we do. If they did he would have been drafted before Leatherwood.

[CharVike]

My only concern after watching some tape is that it appears like the effort just isn't there at times. Hopefully something in MN can keep him motivated.

It's odd because there are some reports he needs to put in more effort and others that he plays with this nasty mean streak. Very confusing. In any case, I think it was a good pick with good value, hopefully he works out. We now have invested two 1sts and two 2nds into our OL. Even if we don't grab a guard in the 3rd/4th (we should), I don't know that there's another team with this much draft capital invested in OL. The time to perform is now. Another bottom of the league pass blocking line is going to be a huge indictment against Rick and Zimmer.

Yes that is odd. Our improvement will be based on Darrisaw's improvement over RR and the development of Ezra. I expect our rookie LT to have some problems in the beginning but should improve as the season progresses. There is much draft capital in this OL. The Chiefs took the best route. A proven G and T. No guessing with those two. But we didn't have the CAP.

[CharVike]

One thing clear from the draft is that the NFL as a whole does not value Darrisaw as much as we do. If they did he would have been drafted before Leatherwood.

Penei Sewell was the stud but Rick didn't make a move for it. He did his garbage collection. Darrisaw is a step or two behind. There were some 2nd round OTs that match up to our guy. Of course Rick said they were thinking of trading back up but that's a bunch of BS. Rick couldn't get a 2nd rounder which was a must have in this draft and with our teams position. Just like he said round 3 was the prime. He had many picks. If he had 8 5th rounders he would have said round 5 is prime. Round 1 is prime and even that has different prime levels. Pick 1 vs Pick 32 isn't on the same planet.

[VikingsVictorious]

One thing clear from the draft is that the NFL as a whole does not value Darrisaw as much as we do. If they did he would have been drafted before Leatherwood.

Penei Sewell was the stud but Rick didn't make a move for it. He did his garbage collection. Darrisaw is a step or two behind. There were some 2nd round OTs that match up to our guy. Of course Rick said they were thinking of trading back up but that's a bunch of BS. Rick couldn't get a 2nd rounder which was a must have in this draft and with our teams position. Just like he said round 3 was the prime. He had many picks. If he had 8 5th rounders he would have said round 5 is prime. Round 1 is prime and even that has different prime levels. Pick 1 vs Pick 32 isn't on the same planet.

The guy regarded as the second or third best OL in the draft is garbage collection. Whatever. You'd probably complain if they hung you with a new rope.