Dalton Risner originally signed last early last season. After making cameo appearances in a few games, he was elevated to starting left guard after Ezra Cleveland was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Risner played well through 11 starts. He played well enough that many, fans and local media, assumed that he’d be re-signed early in the offseason. That didn’t happen and gigantic, fifth-year Brandel emerged as the unquestioned starter. Now, it appears there’ll be a competition for the only unsettled position on the offensive line. Competition is good.
Vikings fans rarely agree on anything. That’s probably true of most team’s fans but it’s especially true of Vikings fans. Over the past couple months, it became increasingly clear that nearly every Vikings fan wanted Dalton Risner re-signed. I was a bit torn on the situation. My offseason thoughts on the team’s roster are a constant churn. Some days, I was all for a Risner return. I’ve liked him since he was one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft. Other days, I wanted to see the Vikings move forward with Blake Brandel. Perhaps it was because he was a homegrown player. He’s hung around the roster and worked his way to this earned opportunity. Perhaps it was because of his size at 6’7” 315lb. He always seemed to play well when needed. He started five games over the past two seasons. Those appearances were at the tackle position that he’s played since college. At guard, he’s an unknown. In that sense, a Risner return makes a lot of sense. In every way, the Vikings offensive line group got deeper and much better with Dalton Risner back on the roster.
Minnesota Vikings Offensive Line
Starters:
LT Christian Darrisaw
LG Dalton Risner/Blake Brandel
C Garrettt Bradbury
RG Ed Ingram
RT Brian O’Neill
Depth:
David Quessenberry
Walter Rouse
Dan Feeney
Michael Jurgens
Henry Byrd
Tyrese Robinson
Jeremy Flax
Doug Nester
Matt Cindric
Spencer Rolland
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