Dalton Risner picked for all-rookie team by NFL.com

Denver Broncos rookie offensive lineman Dalton Risner was picked to make the all-rookie team by NFL.com’s Chad Reuter. Can the Kansas State star do it?

The Denver Broncos know they have a gem in second-round pick Dalton Risner, an offensive lineman out of Kansas State.

The three-time captain for the Wildcats came into the NFL with a ton of experience under his belt, and more than most offensive line prospects coming out of college, NFL-readiness and a balanced all-around game.

I’d be willing to say no offensive lineman in this year’s class — at least at the tackle position — had as good of an all-around game as Risner, or at least, no one was substantially better.

Risner is stepping into an incredible situation with the Broncos where he will be able to play right guard to start his career next to Ja’Wuan James, filling a gaping hole for the Broncos up front.

Chad Reuter of NFL.com predicted Risner to make the NFL’s all-rookie team when all is said and done.

"“Risner was an excellent fit for the Broncos, and not just because of his Colorado roots. His toughness and football intelligence should allow him to start immediately.”Chad Reuter, NFL.com Draft Expert"

It’s great to see Broncos rookies get some publicity from third-party sources. It’s hard to imagine given what we know about Risner as a prospect, but he was the 10th offensive lineman picked in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Yes, nine offensive linemen were selected before this All-American who gave up zero sacks his senior year at Kansas State.

Risner didn’t play at Alabama (and he didn’t play left tackle, either) like Jonah Williams, and he didn’t have the athletic flash of a guy like Jawaan Taylor, a punisher at the right tackle spot.

But nine guys total? Before a three-time captain who profiles as a decade-long starter in the NFL?

That’s messed up.

I would not be the least bit surprised if Risner ends up making the all-rookie team based on his situation, his work habits, and his NFL-readiness as a prospect. Risner isn’t going to need an overhaul of his technique from Mike Munchak and Chris Kuper, he’s simply going to need to enhance skills he already possesses.

That gives him a huge edge over other young players at being a productive, even dominant player early on.

He was a man among boys in college, and he’ll transition to the pro game exceptionally well, in my opinion.