Chicago Bears: Why Dalton Risner is a ‘must draft’ prospect

Draft Profile

Dalton Risner is a bit paradoxical. Off the field, he is one of the kindest, most considerate people you’ll ever meet — always looking out for the welfare of others. In fact, he even established the RisnerUp Foundation while in college with a simple, yet powerful mission — to positively impact others through love and kindness.

However, once he steps between the lines, he becomes a mauler who bullies defenders, or as his teammate, Alex Barnes described him, “the toughest lineman in the draft.” In fact, while reading up on Risner, the way in which scouts and teammates describe him is reminiscent of the way in which Quenton Nelson was described leading into last year’s NFL Draft.

Risner is an explosive lineman, as evidenced by his 4.52 20-yard shuttle and 7.69 3-cone drill (ranking third and eleventh respectively at his position). Not only is he explosive, but has power for days. Once Dalton gets his hands locked on to a defender, it’s essentially over, as he can drive the defender wherever he wants.

Perhaps most impressive is his ability as a pass protector. Incredibly, Risner hasn’t allowed a sack since Week 5 — of 2016! That’s even more impressive when you consider Risner went up against the likes of Jordan Brailford, Charles Omenihu, and Montez Sweat last year alone. With a mobile quarterback like Mitchell Trubisky, who was among the least sacked quarterbacks in the league, Risner would fit right in.

He is also a remarkably versatile player. When he first arrived at Kansas State he was a center, before moving to right tackle. While at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, he also got some looks at left tackle, as well as both guard positions. Not only is he a dominant offensive lineman, but one that can fill a lot of needs for a team.

In fact, his versatility is reminiscent of a current Bear, and former teammate of Risner’s at K-State, Cody Whitehair, whom Dalton says he would “love to play with some day.” Risner has even gotten some advice from Whitehair on what to expect throughout the draft process.

He also brings a competitive toughness to the field and locker room that would resonate with the culture that Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace are building in Chicago. Having been selected as a three-time captain at KSU, the respect his peers have for him as a person and teammate is well documented. He is exactly the kind of ‘down in the trenches’ throwback type of offensive lineman that would quickly become a fan favorite.