2019 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Dalton Risner
Position: Guard
School: Kansas State University
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 312 pounds
Draft Projection: Day 2
Pass Blocking
Regardless of pass rush move, Risner does not waver in his approach. After the snap, he uncorks a thumping punch. What makes that special is the placement. Like a boxer, Riser can pinpoint areas on the torso for the most effective spot. If the defender uses a bull rush, he will widen his stance and flexes at the hips to counter the blow. With rips, swims, or hand-dominant moves, Risner simply readjusts and attempts to neutralize the attack.
Run Blocking
Risner fights defenders with choppy strides and quick jabs, forcing the opponent down the field. On top of that, he stays within his frame. That is to say, he will not overextend or lurch to maintain a block. That is where his feet enter into the equation. Now, if you ask him to pull, Risner can just get there. More often than not, he is a downhill run blocker.
Raiders Fit
With the signing of Trent Brown, Gruden and Mayock shuffled the offensive line in Oakland. In addition, trading Kelechi Osemele to the Jets opened up a vacancy at the left guard spot. Luckily, for the Raiders, Gabe Jackson excelled on the left side. Now, his shift creates a void along the offensive line. Dalton Risner gives the Raiders a versatile option, if they choose to draft him. First, he affords them a quality right guard for the next decade. Not to mention, Risner performed well at center and right tackle.
If you focus on the center spot, think of Rodney Hudson. Granted, Hudson remains the Raiders’ best offensive lineman, by far. As a result, the team should extend him rather shortly. Whether age or free agency eventually subtracts Hudson, Risner could operate at a near-elite level. Now, looking exclusively in 2019, Riser gives the Raiders five solid linemen. If you strictly judge Risner on his top-flight technical acumen or mean streak in 2019, Oakland could add a late first or early second round starter.
