J.J. Dielman was a fifth-round pick by the Bengals in 2017. Bounced around with injuries among the Bengals, Rams and Broncos last year.
Dielman
6’5″, 309LBS
ME: Center, Tackle, NFL Guard too? Red-bold = “Kromer famously fixes this stuff if it’s fixable with this player”
OVERVIEW
One of the top offensive linemen in the Pac-12 couldn’t find a place on the all-conference squad this season because a leg injury ended his senior year after five games. Dielman, the cousin of former NFL lineman Kris Dielman, was a team captain and started at center for the Utes in 2016 after starting all 26 games in 2014 and 2015 at the right tackle spot. J.J. (which stands for Jeffrey Joseph) was a second-team All-Pac-12 pick as a junior. The Arizona high school all-state pick redshirted his first year in Salt Lake City and played in one game as a reserve in 2013 before becoming a fixture on Utah’s line.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Has three years of experience at right tackle to go along with his newfound snaps at center. Has quick feet and good flexibility through his hips. Possesses desired body control. Talented work-up blocker who finds his second-level targets and strikes with accuracy. Can get to the difficult angles. Will work to bend knees after engagement to improve his leverage. Quick to flip hips and wall off his man. Works well with guards in handoff on combo blocks. Plays with good determination and effort. Rides the bull as long as he can after engaging with bigger defenders. Has tackle feet to mirror pass rushers along interior.
WEAKNESSES Has short arms. Unlikely to offer tackle flexibility on roster due to a lack of length. Will need to add more bulk to prepare for NFL battles. Below average core strength. Finds himself hanging on rather than improving positioning. Finesse player in need of technique and play strength. Unable to create push at the point of attack without help. Can improve with securing on second level. Season-ending foot injury will have to be cleared at combine.
BOTTOM LINE An athletic center with the plus athleticism of a three-year tackle, but he lacks the core power that some teams will require from an interior lineman. Needs to bulk up and add as much strength as possible in order to be a functional NFL player. While his movement skills will be enticing for zone-scheme teams, he could be limited by scheme fit, which narrows the teams who might consider drafting him.
-Lance Zierlein
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Agamemnon
