Always nice to read about this kinda news...
Darrisaw continues to riseAnyone unfamiliar with left tackle Christian Darrisaw is about to find out how good he is. That was main takeaway from offensive coordinator Wes Phillips after seeing how seriously Darrisaw has taken this offseason.
“He came in in phenomenal shape,” Phillips said. “He was in here working out late night. I think he got that from Trent Williams or something. He’d be here at 11 o’clock at night or something getting a lift in. As long as he had a spotter, we were OK with that.”
The fact that Phillips mentioned Williams isn’t a coincidence considering that is who Darrisaw models his game after. Asked about how Darrisaw compares, Phillips replied, “I think across the league, we’ll be talking about him as one of the elite tackles for years to come.”
https://www.twincities.com/2023/07/27/joejuan-williams-looking-like-a-starting-cornerback-for-vikings/
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
He's a bonafide elite LT. Watch a highlight video of him, lol.....he's an ass kicker. Strong as they get and now Phillips says he's in 'phenomenal shape'? Yikes.
And if he's lifting at midnight he's not likely shutting down clubs at 2am. Love hearing things like this about our guys.
Seeing who he's now become, I get nervous about that trade down all over again. Thank God for Mike Mayock.
Mayock could've taken Darrisaw but instead took Alex Leatherwood, who was waived a year later. Let that sink in for a bit: a middle 1st round pick was released one year later.
@"MaroonBells" said: Seeing who he's now become, I get nervous about that trade down all over again. Thank God for Mike Mayock.Mayock could've taken Darrisaw but instead took Alex Leatherwood, who was waived a year later. Let that sink in for a bit: a middle 1st round pick was released one year later.
He'd probably still go after the Chargers kid, but would be a top 12 pick for sure. The Vikings got lucky with that trade-down, massively lucky.
@"purplefaithful" said:@"MaroonBells" said: Seeing who he's now become, I get nervous about that trade down all over again. Thank God for Mike Mayock.Mayock could've taken Darrisaw but instead took Alex Leatherwood, who was waived a year later. Let that sink in for a bit: a middle 1st round pick was released one year later.
He'd probably still go after the Chargers kid, but would be a top 12 pick for sure. The Vikings got lucky with that trade-down, massively lucky.
It's just a shame that we didn't get much else in return for dropping back (meaning who we selected)....IIRC.
@"purplefaithful" said:@"MaroonBells" said: Seeing who he's now become, I get nervous about that trade down all over again. Thank God for Mike Mayock.Mayock could've taken Darrisaw but instead took Alex Leatherwood, who was waived a year later. Let that sink in for a bit: a middle 1st round pick was released one year later.
He'd probably still go after the Chargers kid, but would be a top 12 pick for sure. The Vikings got lucky with that trade-down, massively lucky.This is year 48 for me and I have yet to call the Vikings lucky!
@"JimmyinSD" said: And if he's lifting at midnight he's not likely shutting down clubs at 2am. Love hearing things like this about our guys.Or driving 140mph down the freeway
He is going to be a top 3 OT for years to come. You can see it between his size, strength, and technique.
Add Risner adjacent to him and have a top 5 pass blocking left side
Steussie
McKinney
Zimmerman
Kalil
I've seen enough of Darrisaw to know he's the best LT I've ever seen suit up as a Viking.
His athleticism is extraordinary.
@"Mattyman" said: Steussie McKinney Zimmerman KalilI've seen enough of Darrisaw to know he's the LT I've ever seen suit up as a Viking.
His athleticism is extraordinary.
Yep, the Vikings have had elite centers and guards but our tackles not so much. I think this is the best tackle tandem we've ever had. I want to see Darrisaw do it one more year before I'd put him above Zimmerman though.
@"JimmyinSD" said: And if he's lifting at midnight he's not likely shutting down clubs at 2am. Love hearing things like this about our guys.To be fair, McKinney was lifting at 2 am as well. Just a different type of bar.
Also, was nice that he had a chance to talk with Williams in the joint practices last year. Sounds like a steal that we needed at LT.
@"MaroonBells" said:@"Mattyman" said: Steussie McKinney Zimmerman KalilI've seen enough of Darrisaw to know he's the LT I've ever seen suit up as a Viking.
His athleticism is extraordinary.
Yep, the Vikings have had elite centers and guards but our tackles not so much. I think this is the best tackle tandem we've ever had. I want to see Darrisaw do it one more year before I'd put him above Zimmerman though.
Best tackle combo was Yary and Alderman. Both were consistent pro bowlers. Granted that was a long time ago! I always thought if McKinnie would have had the right attitude he could have been a great one. Kalil didn't even want to play football. Just did it because he was good at it. Never put in the time to be truly great. He did it all on natural ability. Had he had the right attitude he would have made it to Canton.
@"Chuckf" said:@"MaroonBells" said:@"Mattyman" said: Steussie McKinney Zimmerman KalilI've seen enough of Darrisaw to know he's the LT I've ever seen suit up as a Viking.
His athleticism is extraordinary.
Yep, the Vikings have had elite centers and guards but our tackles not so much. I think this is the best tackle tandem we've ever had. I want to see Darrisaw do it one more year before I'd put him above Zimmerman though.
Best tackle combo was Yary and Alderman. Both were consistent pro bowlers. Granted that was a long time ago! I always thought if McKinnie would have had the right attitude he could have been a great one. Kalil didn't even want to play football. Just did it because he was good at it. Never put in the time to be truly great. He did it all on natural ability. Had he had the right attitude he would have made it to Canton.
Alderman was mostly before my time, but you're right. 6 Pro Bowls don't lie.
All I can remember anymore back from the Yary days is him driving fans nuts with the holding calls...
Darrisaw sure looks promising, but yah I couldn't put him over Zimmerman - not till he does it for nearly as long and as good as Gary did. Thats a HOF'er.
Zimmerman was such a great, great technician - right up there with McDaniel and that god awful stance he had.
@"Chuckf" said:@"MaroonBells" said:@"Mattyman" said: Steussie McKinney Zimmerman KalilI've seen enough of Darrisaw to know he's the LT I've ever seen suit up as a Viking.
His athleticism is extraordinary.
Yep, the Vikings have had elite centers and guards but our tackles not so much. I think this is the best tackle tandem we've ever had. I want to see Darrisaw do it one more year before I'd put him above Zimmerman though.
Best tackle combo was Yary and Alderman. Both were consistent pro bowlers. Granted that was a long time ago! I always thought if McKinnie would have had the right attitude he could have been a great one. Kalil didn't even want to play football. Just did it because he was good at it. Never put in the time to be truly great. He did it all on natural ability. Had he had the right attitude he would have made it to Canton.
Definitely this ^^^. Yary was the best ever in purple and I think Darrisaw is next followed by Alderman. O'Neill is pretty high on the list too.
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