Why Falcons Should Sign Broncos Ex Dalton Risner

The Atlanta Falcons could be an improved team with Dalton Risner at left guard.
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The Atlanta Falcons could look for a more concrete answer at left guard this season.

With Matt Hennessy injured throughout training camp and Matthew Bergeron still adjusting to NFL life as a rookie, perhaps the Falcons should look into signing former Denver Broncos guard Dalton Risner.

Risner, 28, has played in and started 62 of a possible 66 games since the Broncos selected him during the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was Denver's nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award this past season.

Pro Football Focus shared that the former Kansas State Wildcat was called for only one penalty and gave up three sacks, six quarterback hits and 29 pressures this past season.

The Falcons had a strong rushing attack last season, finishing No. 3 league-wide at just under 160 yards per game - and it could be even better if Risner can replicate his win rate.

There are risks to bringing in someone like Risner into the mix. With less than a month until the team's season opener against the Carolina Panthers, Risner may not be in the same game-ready shape as other players currently on the roster.

On top of that, the offensive line's chemistry has been a point of emphasis in camp. Adding Risner would essentially bring the unit back to square one.

That being said, signing Risner could be the difference between missing the playoffs for a seventh straight season or finally ending Atlanta's postseason drought.


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Daniel Flick
DANIEL FLICK

Daniel Flick is an accredited NFL writer for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Daniel has provided boots-on-ground coverage at the NFL Combine and from the Atlanta Falcons' headquarters, among other destinations, and contributed to the annual Lindy's Sports Magazine ahead of the 2023 offseason. Daniel is a co-host on the 404TheFalcon podcast and previously wrote for the Around the Block Network and Georgia Sports Hospitality Media.