Vikings seven round 2019 NFL mock draft: Free agency edition
By Adam Carlson
Round 1: Dalton Risner, G – Kansas State
I’m still not buying the idea of moving Riley Reiff to guard. If I did, this pick would easily be Jawaan Taylor, with Brian O’Neill moving to left tackle. However, since the offensive line is still the biggest need and with Cody Ford likely gone and Greg Little disappointing at the combine, the Vikings will have to look elsewhere for their guard.
It might seem like a bit of a reach at this time, but Dalton Risner is the right guy for the job. The six-foot-five and 308-pound offensive lineman is a great run blocker with a mean streak who could help open things up for Dalvin Cook while being a good enough blocker to protect Kirk Cousins.
His versatility is what will endear him to the Vikings. He has played multiple positions on the offensive line, on the interior and as a tackle. Plus, he has started games at center, guard, and right tackle where he won a lot of awards during his collegiate career.
In addition, Risner is about as high of a character of player a team can find in the draft. He has his own charitable organization called RiseUp and has a great reason for doing so. He is a great talent on the field and individual off the field who will fit right into the Vikings locker room and hopefully bring some toughness to the offensive line.