Virginia Tech football: Four Hokies drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft

The 2021 NFL Draft has concluded and four Hokies heard their names called. Three of the four Virginia Tech football stars were selected in the first 80 picks.

A look at where former Hokies will be calling home this NFL season.

Tennessee Titans – Caleb Farley, CB – First round, 22nd overall pick

The Tennessee Titans got a steal with Farley still being on the board at 22 but his availability was not completed unexpected. He was perhaps the best corner in the 2021 draft class but a history of injury made many teams unsure of his status. He’s an athletic and smart corner that has no ceiling to his potential if he can stay healthy and continue to learn the position as he’s only played corner for two years. The 22-year-old will have the chance to become a great NFL cornerback while proving other teams wrong for passing him up.

Minnesota Vikings- Christian Darrisaw, OT – First round, 23rd overall pick

The Minnesota Vikings badly needed to improve their offensive line this offseason, and that they did by selecting Darrisaw in the first round. Darrisaw was the anchor of a very good Virginia Tech o-line last season and his play should translate well to the NFL. He should be a starter at left tackle in Minnesota next season and can help the Vikings pass and rush offensive tremendously.

Caleb Farley and Christian Darrisaw were just the third pair of Hokies to go in the first round and the first since Tremaine and Terrell Edmunds were drafted in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Las Vegas Raiders – Divine Deablo, S – Third round, 80th overall pick

Deablo quickly rose in the draft boards over the last month or so. He is an athletic and talented player that will be able to fill in some spots if needed for the Raiders. He is a versatile player that will put in the work at the next level, much like what we’ve seen during his time as a Hokie.

Chicago Bears – Khalil Herbert, RB – Sixth round,  217th overall pick

Herbert is a powerful runner but he fell on the draft boards a bit. He made his one season at Virginia Tech count racking up 1,182 rushing yards last season. He is also a back that can use his hands and catch the ball if needed. He could be an important piece in Chicago as the third-string running back for the Bears.

After the draft, two Hokies signed as undrafted free agents.

Tennessee Titans – Justus Reed, DL

Reed will be joining Hokie’s teammate Caleb Farley in Tennessee for the 2021 NFL season. Reed transferred to Virginia Tech from Youngstown State in 2020 spending his seventh year of eligibility with the Hokies.

He played in 11 games for the Hokies, racking up 28 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, and 6.5 sacks his last season.

Seattle Seahawks – Jerrod Hewitt, DT

Hewitt was a captain for the Hokies last season and the leader of the defense. In his time with the Hokies, he played 45 games totaling 92 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 17.5 tackles for loss.