2019 NFL Draft: New York Giants 3-round mock draft
By Bryan Perez
Round 1, Pick 17: Dalton Risner | OL | Kansas State
This pick may look and feel like a reach to the average fan, but don’t be fooled by that perception. Risner is a 10-year starter at either guard or tackle in the NFL and the Giants have a huge need along the offensive line. They traded for Kevin Zeitler to strengthen the interior offensive line, and last year’s second-round pick, Will Hernandez, has upside. But they need to add another blue-chip option at tackle who can start right away, and that’s Risner.
The NFL places a lot of value in offensive linemen who have more than 40 collegiate starts; experience matters up front. Risner checks that box, and he’s not just a reps guy. He’s a mauler; he has a finisher’s mentality and for a team that will focus on running the ball as their primary offensive philosophy, Risner makes a ton of sense.
He’d start the year at right tackle and could eventually become the best tackle the Giants have fielded in a very, very long time.