2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders land defensive star in full first round mock

2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders land defensive star in full first-round mock

13. Los Angeles Chargers – OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

The Los Angeles Chargers have to improve their offensive line as they begin to build around Justin Herbert. According to ESPN Stats, the Chargers saw QB pressure on 33.5% of their dropbacks, which was the eighth highest in the NFL.

Christian Darrisaw brings a ton of power that allows him to overwhelm defenders in the run game and did not allow a sack or QB hit in 2020. Sam Tevi will be a free agent, so this is a great way to replace him. Darrisaw can also bring a little more juice to a rushing offense that was top 10 in attempts, but 30th in yards per attempt and 18th in yards per game.

14. Minnesota Vikings – OT Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC

The Minnesota Vikings need help along the offensive line, whether it be at tackle or on the interior. and Alijah Vera-Tucker can provide an instant upgrade at whatever position Minnesota would want to play him. In 2019 he played strictly left guard and then moved to left tackle in 202, and he proved that despite his lack of ideal length, he was plenty capable of playing the position at a high level.

Vera-Tucker also has shown the traits to excel in zone blocking, which is the team’s bread and butter. He isn’t unbelievable at any one thing, but there are very few holes in his game that can go a long way on the offensive line.