Breaking: Ravens Closing In On Deal To Sign Former 2nd-Rounder
The Baltimore Ravens experienced a huge departure during 2024 free agency, with the offensive line suffering the most. Eric DeCosta, general manager, has made some changes to address losses, but with the NFL draft approaching, it’s expected that he will address the line again.
According to Kristopher Knox’s article “Ideal 2024 Draft Scenarios for NFL’s Top Remaining Free Agents,” free agency guard Dalton Risner may profit from DeCosta’s lack of selection.
Knox noted that it would be great for Risner if the “Ravens don’t address the offensive interior.” Knox points out that the Ravens lost starting guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson in free agency, which makes the fit between the two seem natural.
The Ravens’ 2023 starting guards, Zeitler and Simpson, have left for the Detroit Lions and New York Jets, respectively.
Knox believes the Ravens aren’t the only team interested in Risner’s services. He goes on to say, “The San Francisco 49ers could also be interested in Risner if they don’t draft a guard early.”
Knox wrote, “The 49ers could use an upgrade over Spencer Burford at right guard, and while Risner has traditionally played on the left side, he would be an intriguing option.”
Both the Ravens and 49ers would give Risner a shot of starting, and as Knox points out a chance of contending for a Super Bowl.
Dalton Risner Has Been a Reliable Guard Throughout Career
It’s odd that Risner is still available at this time, as Knox himself notes, “For the second straight offseason, he remains unsigned late in free agency.”
Risner was picked in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. He played four years as a starter at left guard. Risner started 62 games for the Broncos over four years, accounting for at least 86% of offensive snaps.
Knox went on to say, “Guard Dalton Risner has started 73 games over the past five seasons and started 11 for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023.”
Finding a reliable offensive lineman who can start double-digit games is a coveted commodity in the NFL, therefore he will most likely find a team before the season begins.
“Risner will likely find a landing spot at some point after the draft, which he did last season, signing with the Vikings in September,” Knox said.
Risner received a 57.1 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2023, ranking 46th among guards. Risner did not start for the Vikings until Week 7 against the 49ers, which could have harmed his performance.
Risner, at only 28 years old, still has plenty of snaps in his legs.
2024 Offensive Line Draft Class Is Extremely Deep
The 2024 offensive line class is one of the deepest in recent memory, thus the Ravens are unlikely to stand pat and not address the position in some way.
Knox put it this way: “Addressing offensive line spots in the draft would be logical for the Ravens, who also traded away right tackle Morgan Moses.”
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN predicted that the Ravens would address the guard position in their two-round mock draft on April 10. He wanted them draft Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe at number 62.
Knox pointed out, “They [Baltimore] took Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton and TCU lineman Brandon Coleman in the B/R Scouting Department mock draft.”
If the Ravens decide to focus their premium picks elsewhere and still need someone who can step into a starting role then DeCosta may look to Risner as a solid back up plan.
