The 2019 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. The Game Haus will be doing scouting reports on some of the top prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft. Kansas State offensive lineman Dalton Risner has plenty of experience heading into the draft.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LznRSkbG_II
Position: Offensive Tackle/Center
Class: Redshirt Senior
2018 stats: First Team Big 12, First Team All-American (ESPN)
Size: 6-foot-5, 312 pounds
Risner is one of the best linemen in Kansas State history, as he was a three-time team captain. His versatility and solid play have made him a good offensive line prospect for the upcoming 2019 NFL Draft.
After redshirting his first year on campus, Risner stepped in and played center for Kansas State. He was one of the best freshmen in the country, starting all 13 games. Following his redshirt freshman season, Risner made the move out to right tackle, where he also thrived. He started for three seasons at right tackle, earning numerous honors including being named First Team All-Big 12 and First Team All-American. The Wildcats had a record of 28-23 and two bowl victories with Risner playing.
His ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line at a high level in college only helps his draft stock. He’ll most likely be a right tackle in the NFL and should expect to be drafted on day two of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Risner has great power on display, especially in the running game. He can move bodies to clear big holes for running backs to get through. Against the pass, he is able to keep pass rushers in front when they are centered to his frame.
He is specifically good at run blocking, which he displayed many times over his career at right tackle. He can move bodies, hold blocks for extended periods of time and can get to the second level to execute blocks to spring big gains on runs. Risner also finishes the play violently to make sure he gets everything out of every play.
Another facet of his game that is going to help him in the NFL is his awareness. He routinely knows where a pass rush is coming from and makes adjustments accordingly. Risner also can handle stunts and twists well. In addition, he knows where his help is coming from as well, which helps him in his positioning.
He has the power, but Risner struggles with mobility. He can’t always get to where he needs to go quick enough to make an impact. With the lack of mobility, he also has trouble moving laterally. This is partially because of his footwork, but he also isn’t that quick of a natural mover.
Risner is not great off the line of scrimmage, as when the ball is snapped he comes out of his stance slowly. He was able to still play well at the college level despite this, but with some of the quick first steps by defenders in the NFL, this could really limit his ability to be a good tackle.
Pass rushers who can win on the edge will give Risner problems. If they have length, speed and bend, Risner doesn’t have the physical tools to stop them from getting to the quarterback. He doesn’t have great flexibility, lateral quickness and has just average length to combat rushers winning on the edge.
Projected Draft Range: First round-Third round
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