:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63582713/usa_today_11278473.0.jpg)
If there has been one constant for the Wisconsin Badgers football program since Paul Chryst took over in 2015, it has been Michael Deiter. The four-year starter has maybe the most well-rounded playing experience of any offensive lineman in this draft class.
Starting at left guard for most of his redshirt freshman year, he ended the season at center due to the injury to Dan Voltz. In 2016, he started at center and left guard. In 2017, he took one for the team and started all 14 games at left tackle, but last season he moved back to left guard for all 13 games. Wow.
Michael Deiter
Height: 6’5
Weight: 309 pounds
40-yard dash: 5.23 seconds
Vertical jump: 28”
Broad jump: 8’9”
Short shuttle: 4.81 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.88 seconds
Bench press: 21 reps
*Height and weight, statistics all taken from NFL.com’s Draft/Combine profile
Strengths: Deiter is maybe the most experienced lineman in this class. With 54 starts at three different positions, Deiter offers something that the NFL will certainly hold in high regard. Good frame, holds his weight well. Long arms. Thick throughout his frame. Has made line calls from both interior positions. Great hand placement on run blocks. Looks to finish in the run game. Effective puller. Has little issue reaching shades on outside zone. Good awareness of positioning at the second level. Possesses a good anchor in pass protection.
Weaknesses: Bend can be a bit inconsistent. Doesn’t always trust his technique in pass pro. Average at best athletically at the NFL level. Foot speed could be a concern against speed rushers. Hand placement as a pass protector is still developing.
Summary: Deiter is a day one starter in the NFL. His experience at multiple positions along with his physicality and football intelligence will make him hard to keep off the field. Like most Wisconsin linemen, he’s much more effective moving forward than he is backwards. Pass protection will be a work in progress, through his bevy of experience of different sets will help ease the transition.
Round Projection: Late Round 2 to Round 4