:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63028626/usa_today_10399119.0.jpg)
Dalton Risner, OL
School: Kansas State | Conference: Big 12
College Experience: Redshirt Senior | Age: 23
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 308 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Top 50
NFL Comparison: Cody Whitehair
Player Overview
Risner checks nearly all the boxes when it comes to consistency and accolades as a collegiate offensive lineman. He’s made 49 starts (13 at center, 36 at right tackle) in his career, only missing one game due to shoulder surgery. Risner is a three-time consecutive first-team All-Big 12 pick, and in 2018 also made second-team All-American and was named one of three Offensive Lineman of the Year. He has exceptional off-the-field character, starting the Rise Up Foundation to help children literacy. Risner’s game is self-described as nasty and aggressive, and he has a fantastic attitude and magnetic personality.
Strengths
- Nasty on-the-field demeanor but intelligent, articulate and charismatic off of it
- 3-time team captain, one of only five in Kansas State history
- Good length and quality thickness throughout his body (fairly lean)
- Positional flexibility at both tackle and center
- Good body control, operates with quality fundamentals, disciplined
- Held up fairly well against potential top-10 pick Montez Sweat
- Looks for work and seals blocks well in the run game
- Has enough speed to pull around the edge
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t have the athleticism and feet to play left tackle at the next level. Best fit is in the interior or right tackle
- Sluggish and heavy feet coming out of his stance
- Allows rushers with a strong inside counter to take advantage of him
- Overall struggles with speed rushers and ability to mirror
Media
Just a casual 3 play sequence from K-State RT Dalton Risner v OK State that shows off his ability to dominate as a drive blocker, seal pursuit on the 2nd level and pass block. pic.twitter.com/d9OyMmcRXa
— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) February 9, 2019
Dalton Risner. Dude is legit as they come and a great overall prospect. He's strong, versatile, and a great leader and person.
— Drew Christensen (@DrewChristens18) February 9, 2019
For the #Chiefs Offensive Draft Prospect of the Week, we will start with a local guy: Kansas State OL Dalton Risner. Risner played tackle in college, but many believe he will move inside for the pros. Risner has not allowed a sack in more two seasons.#ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/yU3ZK2w1gt
— PFF KC Chiefs (@PFF_Chiefs) February 5, 2019
Great piece from Big 12 Offensive Lineman Of The Year, Dalton Risner (@DaltonBigD71) on why identifying the safety's movement pre-snap can help with blocking perimeter defenders pic.twitter.com/hLUDbjHlPZ
— Chris Haddad (@chrisvIQtory) February 8, 2019
How He’d Fit on the Redskins
From a purely personality and culture perspective, Dalton Risner would be a tremendous addition to the Redskins’ locker room, as he carries an infectiously positive attitude, is gritty, tough, competitive, and hard-working. From a positional fit point of view, obviously the Redskins have a hole at left guard — and Risner’s 49 college starts have come at center and right tackle, two positions that currently have dedicated starters. Our front office would need to have a discussion with him on his willingness and confidence in potentially playing left guard; however, if there’s one person in the draft that would do what the team asked of him, it’s Risner.
On the flip side, if Washington continues its awful streak of o-line injuries in 2019 — Risner is a guy that has experience at multiple spots. I’m fairly confident in Risner’s ability to play guard in the NFL, and he has great football IQ to quickly learn positional differences. Dalton will be there when the Redskins pick at 15, and right now I’d give it about a 30% chance he’s there for us in the second round. I would strongly consider selecting him in the second round if he’s available.