Good offensive linemen are hard to find, and six-year veteran Dalton Risner is probably the best option remaining on the free agent market. A second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Kansas State has been a solid yet unspectacular starter since entering the league. Risner graded out as one of the league’s better guards last year, appearing in 10 games and finishing the season with a 68.1 PFF grade, the 22nd-best mark out of 77 eligible players.
While he’s never made a Pro Bowl, Dalton Risner is an adequate starter in a league that doesn’t have enough starting-caliber guards to go around. Even though he hasn’t found a team yet, one of the following organizations should kick the tires on him before the start of the season.
4 Teams That Could Sign Dalton Risner
New England Patriots
Head coach Mike Vrabel has done everything in his power to build a competent offense around franchise quarterback Drake Maye. While they addressed the right tackle, left tackle, and center position, they could still use a left guard. Former first-round pick Cole Strange is currently in line to start, but the Chattanooga product hasn’t been fully healthy in quite some time and didn’t look too great even when at full strength. Dalton Risner is unquestionably the better option at this stage in their respective careers and could help give New England a solid offensive line.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs secured the right guard position with the Trey Smith extension, but left guard is a glaring need. With Joe Thuney in Chicago, Kansas City is betting on former second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia making the transition from tackle to guard. Perhaps he’s up for this challenge, but an all-in team like the Chiefs shouldn’t entrust Patrick Mahomes’ well-being to a player learning a new position. Dalton Risner could solidify the position and give the Chiefs an offensive line with no real weaknesses.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have arguably the league’s best all-around roster, but they have a glaring weakness at guard. While the rest of the offense can easily offset this talent, adding someone like Dalton Risner would only make Baltimore that much more unstoppable. Derrick Henry is hard enough to stop when he’s running behind good tackles and an elite center, so adding a true starting-caliber guard to the mix will only increase his efficiency on the ground. Additionally, Risner excels as a pass blocker, so quarterback Lamar Jackson should get more time in the pocket.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are currently experiencing numerous contract issues, but they should consider setting aside some funds for Dalton Risner. Joe Burrow has the game’s best wide receiver duo in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but his offensive line might get him killed. Nobody will confuse Dalton Risner with Quenton Nelson, but the former second-round pick is considerably better than Cincinnati’s current guards. If they can sign him and get their edge rushers under contract, the Bengals should have the talent to compete for the Super Bowl.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images
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