Redskins 7-round mock with the team selecting a QB in the first
Round 2, Pick 14: OL Dalton Risner, Kansas State
The Redskins have long had a hole on their offensive line at left guard. Shawn Lauvao has been a disaster there for the past five years, as he hasn’t been able to stay healthy. A change is needed, and the team will probably target one at some point.
With the team’s mid-second-round pick, Risner was the best option. He has been a four-year starter at both center and right tackle for Kansas State and hast he versatility needed to be a major weapon at the NFL level.
Our own Matt Valdovinos had Risner ranked as one of his top options for the team’s first-round pick. Here’s what he said about Risner in his early January big board for the Redskins.
Washington Commanders
"Risner is one of my favorite players in the entire draft. He a selfless leader who’s played all along the Kansas State line at an elite level. A mauler in the run game and a wall in pass protection, Risner is gonna be a very good player in the NFL. He has the physical tools and attitude to be a pro-bowl level offensive lineman. Left guard has been the biggest hole on the Redskins roster for years. The line has four of its pieces set, and they’re some very good pieces. They’ve already dubbed themselves the “Hogs 2.0,” with Risner, they’d be able to put some real substance behind that claim."
I don’t necessarily agree that Risner should be an option with the No. 15 pick — at least not at this time — but landing him in the second round would be a fantastic option. Risner would be an immediate starter at guard and could kick out to guard if necessary. His ability to play virtually any position would be a major plus, as versatility on the offensive line is always a big asset.
The Redskins could also consider other positions with this pick, as receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and safety Deionte Thompson were still on the board. Thompson was particularly tempting, but Risner was just as good a value and getting protection for Lock was near the top of our to-do list at this point. If the team opts to sign a guard in free agency, that could change the plan here. But for now, Risner is the better option.