Browse the rest of the Zone Coverage Draft Guide.

TOP 40 PLAYERS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL (PODCASTS, VIDEOS, ARTICLES)
INMAN’S MOCK DRAFT COLLECTION

Dalton Risner’s list of accolades is long. As a freshman, his play as a center put him on the 2016 Rimington Watch List, but then he transitioned to right tackle and multiple-time All-American. He was a rare three-year captain at Kansas State, missed just one game over his career and did lots of charitable work in the community.

Risner, 23, worked at guard and left tackle at the Senior Bowl, giving him a taste of every position on the line. He doesn’t have the most athletic profile, although his 20-yard shuttle at the Combine was very good. Risner could be Kansas State’s first first-round pick since Josh Freeman.

Size

6-5, 312 pounds

Combine notables

40-yard dash: 5.3 seconds (5^th slowest at position)
Bench: 23 reps
Vertical: 28.5 inches
Broad jump: 110 inches
20-yard shuttle: 4.52 seconds (3^rd at position)

What the analysts say

“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.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

“Risner enters the NFL a four-year starter with experience at multiple positions but I like him best at right tackle in the NFL. While he’ll need to clean up his footwork in pass pro, Risner is otherwise polished with his technique, plays with superb body control, has excellent play strength throughout his frame and functions with an astute football IQ. He should be an early starter and high quality blocker for years to come.” – Joe Marino, The Draft Network

What PFF says

-3^rd in pass-blocking efficiency
-1 sack allowed in four-year college career
-5^th in snaps per outside pressure allowed

—

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE
ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE

TOP 40 PLAYERS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL (PODCASTS, VIDEOS, ARTICLES)
INMAN’S MOCK DRAFT COLLECTION

Sam Ekstrom

Sam Ekstrom is an executive producer and host at Locked On Sports Minnesota. He's previously covered the Vikings for 105 The Ticket, Zone Coverage, Purple Insider, and the Associated Press. He grew up in Vermillion, S.D. rooting for the USD Coyotes (not SDSU) and graduated from Dordt (not "dork") University in Sioux Center, Iowa.

All Articles