Colts Select Virginia Tech LT Christian Darrisaw in Sporting News’ Recent 2021 NFL Mock Draft

According to The Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer, the Indianapolis Colts will select Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw with the 21st overall pick during the upcoming NFL Draft in his recent 2021 NFL Mock Draft:

21. Indianapolis Colts (11-5)

Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech (6-5, 314 pounds)

Now that the Colts have landed Wentz as their new starting quarterback, they can focus first on replacing 32-year-old retiree Anthony Castonzo with another potential rock at left tackle. Darrisaw has put himself into strong first-round consideration with standout athleticism that can help him develop into a smooth and nimble long-term pass protector in the NFL.

The 6’5”, 314 pound junior offensive tackle started in all 9 games this past season on the blindside for the Hokies—earning 2020 AP 2nd-Team All-American and First-Team All-ACC honors respectively.

He also started all 13 games at left tackle as a sophomore too in 2019.

Here’s NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah’s scouting report on Darrisaw, who he has recently ranked as his 26th best prospect overall:

26. Christian Darrisaw

Virginia Tech · OT · Junior

Darrisaw was a solid, reliable starter at left tackle during his career with the Hokies. He has ideal size, length and balance. In the passing game, he has average foot quickness in his set but can bend his knees and plays with a firm base. He has a sharp two-hand punch and generally keeps defenders away from his chest. He plays with excellent awareness. He uses his upper-body strength to torque and turn defenders in the run game. He takes good angles to the second level, where he’s able to position and wall off linebackers. He will have some trouble adjusting in space because of his average change-of-direction skills. I view Darrisaw as a player who’ll be starting at right tackle very early in his NFL career.

ESPN’s Todd McShay has Darrisaw just slightly higher on his overall big board:

24. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech*

HT: 6-5 | WT: 314

Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 23

Darrisaw has been a mainstay at left tackle for the Hokies. Over the past two years, he has allowed just three sacks on 643 pass-blocking snaps. Darrisaw is powerful as a pass protector and smooth working to the second level as a run-blocker. His technique is a little inconsistent, but he has a high ceiling and the tools to be a starting left tackle from day one.

Here’s what else they’re saying on Darrisaw:

Obviously, the Colts have an immediate huge hole to fill at starting left tackle, as longtime veteran anchor Anthony Castonzo retired earlier this offseason.

Darrisaw could very well be the top prospect on the board at #21—if available, where talent and team need perfectly coincide for the Colts.

He projects to be a ‘plug-and-play’ starter at left tackle from ‘Day 1’ as a rookie, as he’s already gifted in pass protection—featuring strong hands, a long reach, balance, and quick feet, and he has consistently been a mauler in the ground game—showcasing his elite power and strength.

His technique could use some fine-tuning, but Colts offensive line coaches Chris Strausser and Kevin Mawae could definitely coach him up under short notice.

It helps that Darrisaw projects to be a natural in the Colts’ zone blocking scheme—with his exceptional ability to play in space and get to the second level of opposing defenses to seal and wall off blocks—as it would be a nearly perfect pairing in Indianapolis.

Right now, Darrisaw is my favorite prospect potentially available for the Colts at #21 because he seems like an offensive tackle who has a really high floor and can contribute immediately in 2021—while still being a possible NFL star at left tackle down the road as he continues to grow and further develop.