3 Reasons Why the Vikings Should Sign Dalton Risner
Josh Frey
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When Vikings training camp began, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed excitement to get a chance to study and learn about his new team heading into 2023.
Well, it appears that part of the early learning process has included another look at the Vikings offensive line, particularly at the guard spots. On Monday evening, a report surfaced that Minnesota would be hosting free agent guard Dalton Risner, a 2019 second-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos. Here are three reasons why the Vikings should sign Risner for the 2023 season and potentially for years to come.
Much-Needed Pass Protection at Guard
Dalton Risner is the antithesis of what the Vikings have typcially done at the guard position. While Minnesota has usually opted to prioritize run-blocking in their choices for interior offensive linemen, Risner goes against the grain and thrives in pass-protection.
Throughout his career with the Broncos, the four-year veteran has been superb in pass protection in this area with PFF grading him at 73.6 in 2021 and 72.6 in 2022 for Denver. Last season, he allowed just 29 pressures in 598 pass-blocking snaps.
With the league continuing to trend pass-heavy, this would be a key addition to the offense, especially since Kirk Cousins is entering his age-35 season. A year ago, he was hit a career-high 84 times. This number must go down not only to ensure an efficient offense but also to keep Cousins healthy and on the field.
Versatility and Youth
In terms of interior offensive linemen years, Risner still has plenty of years left in his prime. The guard just turned 28 years old on July 15th, and with so many offensive linemen playing into their mid-30s, Risner should have multiple years of high level production left in the tank.
Not only is Risner young, but he would give the Vikings some great versatility all over their offensive line. He has primarily played the left guard position while in Denver, but during his collegiate years at Kansas State, Risner spent a year as their starting center and three years as the right tackle for the Wildcats.
Over the past few years, the Vikings haven’t exactly had the greatest luck with health on their offensive line. Adding Risner would be a great security blanket across all five positions.
Potential Long-Term Solution
An underrated component of Risner potentially joining the Vikings is his potential impact beyond the 2023 season. Keep in mind, this is a contract season for Ezra Cleveland. Prior to joining the Vikings in 2020, Cleveland spent three years at Boise State where he primarily played left tackle.
Perhaps Cleveland is looking for greener pastures in his next contract, potentially trying to hop back to the tackle position for a new team. At 6’6 and well over 300 pounds, he certainly has the makeup of an NFL tackle.
Maybe adding Risner gives the Vikings a chance to trade Cleveland, potentially enticing a team into taking a chance on him as a tackle. While at Boise State, Cleveland was given pass protection grades in the 80s by PFF, so he was no scrub at the position. The Vikings could potentially land a quality draft pick or two in exchange for Cleveland if he truly wants to go back to his natural position, opening the door for Risner to take an immediate starting spot on the Vikings offensive line.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.