Virginia Tech LT Christian Darrisaw declares for 2021 NFL Draft

On Wednesday, Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente told reporters his players had opted out of participating in a postseason game for the campaign held amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A mainstay at the left tackle position for the Hokies throughout his collegiate career, Darrisaw was an All-ACC honorable mention for 2019 and a preseason first-team All-ACC selection earlier this year. He only improved his draft stock from there, as he earned an ACC OL of the Week honor following a win over Duke on Oct. 3. 

In late November, Damond Talbot of NFL Draft Diamonds wondered if Darrisaw is the second-best offensive lineman available in the 2021 draft class. Meanwhile, ESPN Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. had Darrisaw 18th on his overall draft board as of Dec. 17. 

"The more I watch Darrisaw, the more I like him," Kiper wrote of Darrisaw. "He's a road grader in the running game who just mauls edge defenders. He has a mean streak and finishes plays. He started as the Hokies' left tackle as a true freshman in 2018 and he just keeps getting better. The junior is still young, but he's rising big time based on his play this season. He just erases edge defenders. And he has the frame to stick at left tackle in the NFL." 

Ryan Wilson, Chris Trapasso, and Josh Edwards of CBS Sports all placed first-round grades on Darrisaw in recently updated mock drafts. However, Charlie Campbell of Walter Football wasn't so sure as of Dec. 12. 

"Some see him as worthy of going early in the first round and think he is legit," Campbell noted. "Other sources, including a director of college scouting, say Darrisaw is a second-round pick at best."