Scouting Denver Broncos offensive lineman Dalton Risner

The Denver Broncos have selected Dalton Risner at #41 in the second round of the draft. Below is our scouting report on Risner leading up to the draft.

One prospect who the Broncos have shown great interest in and are bringing in for a pre-draft visit is former Kansas State offensive lineman, Dalton Risner. He is a 6’5”, 312lb offensive lineman that is considered one of the better offensive lineman prospects in this years draft. Risner is ranked as the 24th overall prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft according to The Draft Network, and is ranked as the third-best offensive tackle in this year’s draft class.

Here are Risner’s accolades via kstatesports.com’s player profile on him.

• 2018 First Team All-American (CBS Sports, Sporting News, Pro Football Focus, ESPN)
• 2018 Second Team All-American (AFCA, Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, Walter Camp Foundation)
• 2018 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year (Coaches)
• 2018 First Team All-Big 12 (Coaches, Associated Press)
• 2018 Campbell Trophy Finalist
• 2018 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Finalist
• 2018 Wuerffel Trophy Finalist
• 2018 Senior CLASS Award Finalist
• 2018 AFCA Good Works Team
• 2018 Lombardi Award Finalist
• 2018 Outland Trophy watch list
• 2018 Preseason All-Big 12
• 2017 First Team All-American (Pro Football Focus)
• 2017 Second Team All-American (CBSSports.com)
• 2017 First Team All-Big 12 (Coaches, Associated Press, Phil Steele)
• 2017 Outland Trophy watch list
• 2017 Wuerffel Trophy watch list
• 2017 AFCA Good Works Team candidate
• 2016 First Team All-Big 12 (Coaches, ESPN.com, Phil Steele, Pro Football Focus)
• 2016 Second Team All-Big 12 (AP)
• 2016 All-Big 12 Underclassmen Team (ESPN.com)
• 2016-18 First Team Academic All-Big 12
• 2016 Rimington Trophy watch list
• 2015 First Team Freshman All-American (Campus Insiders)
• 2015 Second Team Freshman All-American (Athlon, Scout)
• 2015 Second Team Academic All-Big 12

Risner was also ranked as the 38th overall prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft by NFL Networks draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah.

Risner lined up at right tackle for the Wildcats and possesses a good combination of power, balance and instincts. In the passing game, he is quick to shoot his hands and he squats on power rushers. He will click his heels together at times, but he hasn’t paid for it against these opponents. He should be able to correct that at the NFL level. He is very aware versus blitzes and stunts in the run game, using his upper-body strength to torque and turn defenders. He’s also shown the ability to reach and seal from the backside. He will struggle to adjust in space at the second level. Overall, Risner has the tools to become a quality starting right tackle, and he adds value because of his experience at the center position during his red-shirt freshman campaign.

As I said, the Broncos have shown interest in Risner at the Senior Bowl and are bringing the local product in for a pre-draft visit. He commented on his Senior Bowl experience and how he was able to meet with Orange and Blue 760’s Steve Atwater and how he sat down and spoke with an area scout of the Broncos.

“It went really good,” Risner said. “I was able to meet with Steve Atwater, who’s a legend in Denver, and their whole crew down here. I was able to chat with them and tell them my story. We talked about how much it’d mean to me to be able to go back home and be a Denver Bronco. I got to sit down with their area scout and talk with him.

Risner was also able to speak with Broncos General Manager and quarterback legend John Elway himself. Risner called this moment a “huge milestone of mine”.

“I didn’t get a chance to talk with anybody else in a formal interview but I did meet John Elway down at the Senior Bowl. After practice, I got to shake his hand and he said he’d already watched me and I was a good football player. It was a great experience, especially having the opportunity to meet with a representative from the Broncos. That was a huge milestone of mine.”

Sounds like the makings of a future Denver Broncos player does it not?

Dalton Risner

Offensive Line, Junior, Kansas State

Height: 6’5” Weight: 312 lbs 40-time: 5.3 seconds

Arm Length: 34” Hands: 10 1/4”

Bench Press: 23 reps Vertical Jump: 28.5 inches Broad Jump: 110.0 inches

3-Cone Drill: 7.69 seconds 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.52 seconds

Film Room:

Scouting Report:

Strengths:

• Versatile and can play tackle, guard, and even center.
• Compared to Chicago Bears center Cody Whitehair
• Strong as they can come and when he gets his hands on you it’s game over
• Anchors well and rarely gets pushed backwards
• Hand usage is excellent
• Powerful in the run game and drives blockers backwards and/or rag dolls them
• RIsner’s technique is raved about
• Has enough athleticism to fit into a zone scheme
• Effective against high level of talent in college
• Plays with a mean streak and would add some nasty to the Broncos offensive line
• Intelligent and reads and reacts well on the football field
• Likely day one starter in the NFL

Weaknesses:

• Athletic enough but isn’t known for his movement skills or athleticism
• Can make it at tackle but likely an interior player in the NFL
• Would struggle with elite speed on the outside
• Will turn 24 in July so is a little old for a rookie
• Pass blocking needs some work but could benefit with a move inside

Mock Draftable chart:

Quotable:

“He possesses average length and athletic ability, but with enough tape consumption, it becomes clear he has the necessary tools to get guys blocked on the NFL level. Risner is the same player on every snap with core strength, body control, and strong hands, allowing him to succeed on a relatively consistent basis. His position flexibility (started at right tackle and center) and play traits mirror those of former KSU standout Cody Whitehair. Risner will need to prove he can handle NFL edge speed, but a move inside could be a failsafe option for him.”

- NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein

Does Dalton Risner make sense for the Denver Broncos?

I love the fit and if he is there in the second round, he has be high on their board.

Risner can step in and start at right guard or potentially even center for the Broncos. Which spot really depends on where they want to play veteran Connor McGovern. Either way, Risner would be an instant starter for the Broncos.

I love his mean streak and I think he’s the type of player that Broncos offensive lineman Mike Munchak would love to add to his offensive line. His versatility alone would be valuable since he could start at three spots along the offensive line. Plus, his run blocking ability will be key considering the Broncos figure to be a run first team in 2019.

I know this would be a popular addition to the Broncos and it is one I could see certainly happening for multiple reasons.