Three Denver Broncos who have most to prove in 2022
Denver Broncos who have most to prove in 2022: Dalton Risner
Dalton Risner has regressed since his rookie season in 2019, where the offense was similar to what Nathaniel Hackett will run as a Shanahan disciple.
Hopefully, Risner can regain his 2019 form, or else he will hit the open market as a free agent in 2013.
Highly recruited out of college, Risner is a left guard who could be replaced before the 2022 season. Graham Glasgow looks poised to return in 2022, Quinn Meinerz should land a spot on the line, and center Lloyd Cushenberry will return as well.
It remains to be seen if the team makes any free agent acquisitions that could replace someone along the interior, but George Paton did say the team needs to get better with protection, so I expect a signing or two.
Dalton Risner could be someone at risk of losing his starting job, but that does not mean he can’t have a solid camp and earn a spot with the top 5.
Mike Munchak isn’t expected to return as the OL coach, so perhaps Risner can regain his 2019 form with a new coach.
Risner has always had an exceptional attitude, so his lack of success in 2020 or 2021 hasn’t been due to a lack of effort or mental fortitude.
Even though I’m not high on Risner, I do hope he makes a giant leap in a huge contract year and cements himself as a long-term piece for the Denver Broncos.