2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report

February 5, 2021 7:00 AM EST

Evaluated by: Brad Kelly
BradleyMKelly@yahoo.com
February 5, 2021

Prospect Overview

Christian Darrisaw was only able to secure one Power-5 scholarship offer during his time in high school, from Virginia Tech. In order to improve his academic standing, Darrisaw spent a semester at Fork Union Military Academy as a postgraduate in the Fall of 2017. The soft-spoken and overlooked recruit would commit to Virginia Tech as an early enrollee after that semester of staying on a strict academic regime and athletic schedule.

Entering 2018, he was one of only 9 freshman offensive lineman in the country to start during the first week of the season. He would start 12 games that season, only missing one because of injury, and eventually earned Freshman All-American honors. He started all 13 games at left tackle as a sophomore, being named Second-Team All-ACC by Athlon Sports.

Darrisaw would start all 9 games that he played in during the 2020 season, progressing to Second-Team All-American by the Associated Press. On 293 pass blocking reps, Darrisaw didn’t allow a single sack or quarterback hit. The 6-5, 315 pound Hokie OT decided to forgo his remaining eligibility and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Positives

Darrisaw has a well-balanced, plug-and-play type of skill-set for offensive tackles. He’s a technician in pass protection, remaining patient when necessary and being steady on a snap to snap basis. He only allowed 6 quarterback pressures during 2020, and did not allow a single sack or quarterback hit. He’ll mix his pass and tempo, has a natural understanding of leverage and easily processes stunts. Darrisaw graded as the best run blocking offensive tackle in the country (PFF). He’ll fit at home in a zone blocking scheme, as his lateral quickness off the ball is impressive.

Darrisaw has the power necessary to reset the line of scrimmage as a point of attack blocker, but the swift feet to reach from the backside of the formation as well. He’s an adequate puller too, as his quickness allows him to pick up moving targets. Darrisaw is powerful, almost without trying to be, as he’ll bully and throw around second-level players in space. As such Darrisaw can be a weapon in the screen game.

Areas for Improvement

The only concern about Darrisaw’s pass protection is how he will deal with certain speed rushes in the NFL. There were occasions against more explosive pass rushers that they were able to beat Darrisaw’s hands, and win the leverage battle during the rep.

While Darrisaw usually has the power and strength necessary to anchor, a more developed pass rusher could add counters when they’re able to gain position with speed. Darrisaw could do a better job of not exposing his chest during pass protection. In run blocking, Darrisaw will occasionally stall late in reps rather than look to finish plays.

Draft Stock

Christian Darrisaw has the film of a first-round offensive tackle, with little-to-no concerns about his projection at the position. Darrisaw has the requisite size and athleticism for the position, and was painstakingly consistent in pass protection as a junior. With his natural projection into a predominant zone-blocking scheme in the NFL, he’ll be an option for multiple teams searching for a tackle in the early-to-mid first round.

Darrisaw doesn’t have the overpowering traits of a couple other offensive tackle prospects in the class, but he enters the league with only minor concerns over his skill-set. That high floor bodes well for him as a plug-and-play prospect. One thing that may cause a minor slip down the draft board is a lack of experience on the right side, while a few other offensive tackle prospects potentially in the 1st round range have played over there. There could be a team that values that because they have an opening at right tackle, but it is a question that could be answered through pre-draft workouts.

Player Comparison

Christian Darrisaw immediately reminded me of former Denver Broncos and New York Jets offensive tackle Ryan Clady. Clady was a First-Team All-American at Boise State, and didn’t allow a sack during the 2006 collegiate season.

He was drafted in the first round by Mike Shanahan, one of the godfather’s of zone run blocking. At 6’6 and 309 pounds, Clady had swift feet and athleticism in pass protection. He would go on to become a four-time pro bowler, starting 106 games over 9 seasons before retiring at just 31 years-old.

Games Evaluated

• Miami (2020)
• Pittsburgh (2020)
• North Carolina (2020)
• Boston College (2020)

Notes from Film

• There was a rep against Boston College where he got in front of a screen pas and continually blocked a linebacker as they attempted to spin out of his blocks, the running back scored a TD on the play
• Miami tape was a clinic of backside of outside zone reach blocks. Either gaining leverage and turning to cut-off, or climbing to the second-level
• Washed away multiple defenders on down and combination blocks on the front-side of power running plays
• Certain reps as the right side tight end, which at least suggests that he’s comfortable enough with the footwork on that side
• Really like his effort when a defender bounces off a run block, he’ll close that distance down in an instant

Scouting Video Courtesy of rackcs