Oakland Raiders: 5 possible picks at No. 35
After trading away Kelechi Osemele in the offseason, the Raiders now need a starting guard opposite of Gabe Jackson. That starter could be Denzelle Good who was resigned in free agency, or it could be a draft pick like Dalton Risner. Although Risner played tackle in college at Kansas State, many scouts and personnel people believe that a move inside to guard could benefit the big guy.
At 6-foot-5 and 312 pounds, Risner has average size at the NFL level, but he makes up for that with is unrelenting motor and physicality. If Risner is a little undersized, you probably shouldn’t let him know.
Risner has great instincts and is solid in both run and pass blocking, but he may lack the quickness needed to succeed at tackle in today’s NFL. He has a bit of a mean streak in him, pancaking players and finishing blocks seems to be very enjoyable for Risner. He is great with his hands and lands the first punch more often than not, helping him establish control over the pass rusher.
An offensive line of Trent Brown, Jackson, Rodney Hudson, Risner, and Kolton Miller would be pretty enticing wouldn’t you say? There was talk of Risner being a first round selection, for him to be on the board still at 35 would be a dream scenario for the Silver and Black.