Pro Football Focus released their “dream scenarios” for each team in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and believes that prospect for the Pittsburgh Steelers is Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw.
“This feels like the floor for Darrisaw, who is almost purpose-built to play on the Steelers’ line,” PFF’s Michael Renner writes. “He moves people off the line of scrimmage with such ease on tape at 6-foot-5, 322 pounds, that it’s hard not to see him being a value add in the run game early on.”
Darrisaw was a three-year contributor for the Hokies making 34 career starts. He earned First-Team All-ACC honors in 2020.
Accomplished as both a pass and run blocker, Darrisaw helped lead Virginia Tech to the nation’s tenth-ranked rushing attack last season. The Hokies also allowed just two sacks a game in pass protection.
Not only does Pittsburgh need to ensure protection for Roethlisberger and their eventual quarterback of the future with the expected departure of Alejandro Villanueva, but they also need to fix an atrocious run game.
The Steelers had the league’s worst rush offense last season, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry.
If Darrisaw were to fall to Pittsburgh at pick No. 24, he would provide immediate help in both areas.
The 2021 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday, April 29 in Cleveland.