Dalton Risner desperately fills need for Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers should definitely take a look at the former Wildcat.

Another day, another mock draft. That is the way it seems right now as the hum of the winter rages on with the Super Bowl occurring on Sunday. With the 16th overall pick in the draft, the Carolina Panthers figure to be right in the thick of things. It has been interesting to see what several analysts think the team is going to do. Now as the calendar turns to February, we may be able to start getting a clear picture about what the organization might do with the pick.

Chris Trapasso of CBSSports.com had an interesting pick for the Panthers at their draft position. He suggested the Panthers take an offensive lineman, something that they desperately need heading into the 2019 campaign. Even though the line performed well last season, there is no doubt that a fresh face on the line would do Carolina some good. His suggestion? Dalton Risner, who hails from Kansas State.

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"The Panthers have to get sturdier up front. GM Marty Hurney drafted Jordan Gross all the way back in 2003, an undersized left tackle who had an illustrious and underrated career in Carolina. Risner is in that mold."

Risner would have the opportunity to compete for a starting spot in August. The Carolina Panthers offensive line was makeshift, part of the reason why them succeeding was a pleasant surprise. What would Risner bring it to the Panthers? For one thing, he is very quick with his feet. He is not afraid to move around a little bit when blocking. In the process, he keeps his man from beating him which allows for more time in the pocket for the quarterback.

He also excels at running and setting up blocks on screen plays and quarterback runs. With a signal-caller like Cam Newton, that could be a tremendous asset. Newton still loves to run, and although the team has been wanting to make him more of a pocket passer, having a lineman that is shifty like that could really work in Newton’s favor. The team needs someone who can give enough time for Newton to throw in the pocket, as well as someone who can run downfield to make blocks for Christian McCaffrey in the running game. It appears that Risner can do all of the above.

Next. Peppers hangs up the cleats. dark

I could certainly see Carolina making this pick. They certainly do have a need there. Will they take a lineman as high as No. 16? That is something I would be toying with. There is a need, but in that situation do you take the best player available? There is tons of speculation leading up to draft day, and this just adds to it. If the Panthers were to select Risner, I would certainly not be upset.

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