NFL names Minnesota Viking one of league's best

The Minnesota Vikings don't get the respect they deserve as a team going into the 2024 season, but they do have some of the best players at their positions in the league.

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson is arguably the best at his position in the National Football League and those in the NFL have a similar opinion on left tackle Christian Darrisaw.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler polled multiple executives, scouts and coaches on who the best offensive tackles are in the NFL and Darrisaw ranked as the sixth-best tackle among them.

Somehow, Darrisaw hasn't made a Pro Bowl in his first three NFL seasons, but the talent is unquestionably of a Pro Bowl caliber.

His 87.1 pass block win rate isn't stellar, but stats don't encapsulate Darrisaw's game. He passes the eye test.

"Excellent combination of strength, athleticism and well-rounded production in both phases," an NFL personnel director said. "The body control stands out."

Added an NFL personnel evaluator: "He's a star .... Has the most upside of maybe all of them."

The description is interesting. NFL personnel had Darrisaw as high as three with at least one not ranking him in the top 10. Pair that with the "eye test" over the metrics.

Now, pass block win rate is a metric that is based on time rather instead of the film. Metrics are a little bit tougher for offensive linemen than other positions so its to be expected.

When you watch Darrisaw, there are shades of San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams. He buries defenders into the ground with consistency and has the athleticism to handle speed rushers on the outside. He will make things easy for J.J. McCarthy by protecting his blindside.

It's worth noting that Brian O'Neill is one of the better right tackles in the NFL but didn't receive any votes.

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