Michael

Deiter

Deiter started 10 games for the Texans last season, with all of his starts coming at center. The former third-round pick allowed three sacks on 20 pressures and earned a PFF blocking grade of 57.1. A four-year veteran of the league, Deiter has 33 career starts to his name and also has experience at guard. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him start a handful of games this upcoming season.

Deiter started 15 games for the Dolphins at left guard as a rookie in 2019 before being relegated to a bench role in 2020, moving to center at 2021, and playing in another depth role along the offensive line in 2022. He comes off his rookie contract looking to recapture his early career upside in a new setting, heading to the Texans on an undisclosed deal. Deiter should initially settle into a depth role for the rebuilding franchise on a roster lacking much in the way of experience along the offensive line outside of their presumed starters. The news comes directly on the heels of the signings of running back Devin Singletary and tight end Dalton Schultz earlier in the day.

Deiter was the last drafted rookie to sign his contract for the Dolphins. The No. 78 overall pick made a school-record 54 starts at Wisconsin -- 24 at left guard, 16 at center, and 14 at left tackle -- and earned the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2018. However, Deiter tested as a 25th-percentile athlete at the Combine. Deiter’s positional versatility raises his floor and clears a path for NFL starts early in his career.

Deiter (6’5/309) made a school-record 54 starts on the Badgers’ front five – 24 at left guard, 16 at center, and 14 at left tackle – and earned first-team All-Big Ten as both a junior and senior, as well as Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2018. Just a 25th-percentile athlete, Deiter won with advanced technical skills in college, most notably manhandling Rashan Gary in their 2018 meeting. Deiter’s position versatility raises his floor, and he is squarely in play to become a long-term starter at any of the interior spots.

Deiter (6’5/309) made a school-record 54 starts on the Badgers’ front five – 24 at left guard, 16 at center, and 14 at left tackle – and earned first-team All-Big Ten as both a junior and senior, as well as Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2018. Just a 25th-percentile athlete, Deiter won with advanced technical skills in college, most notably manhandling Rashan Gary in their 2018 meeting. Deiter’s position versatility raises his floor, and he is squarely in play to become a long-term starter at any of the interior spots.

Deiter (6'5/309) also earned the third-best overall grade after posting a quality 21st-best pass-blocking grade as well. Perhaps an offensive lineman sleeper, Deiter is currently projected to be a Day 3 selection after showing 24th percentile athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine. NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein believes Deiter can work his way into a starting role in the NFL.

Deiter (6'5/309) is described as a “Durable, capable guard/center prospect who knows how to play the game but might lack the athletic elements needed to become a full-time starter on the next level.” Zierlein is spot on with athleticism concerns after Deiter tested in just the 24th percentile at the NFL Scouting Combine. He’s likely a Day 3 selection that will start his career as a backup with the potential to move into a starter role.

Deiter (6'5/309) tested in the 24th percentile of pro linemen while at the combine, but it doesn’t sound as though this was too worrying to NFL teams. To that point, Pauline hears that the Wisconsin standout may have moved into range for an early Day 3 selection with the work that he has put in during the evaluating season. He took part in the Reese’s Senior Bowl back in January to get his process going.

Deiter (6'6/315) was one of several Badgers that returned to school after considering a foray into the NFL, but he ultimately returned. It was a disappointing season for Wisconsin, but Deiter helped Jonathan Taylor rush for nearly 2,000 yards. He’s mostly played tackle for the Badgers, but with that size, he’ll make the move to guard. How he handles the position will be something to keep an eye on during the practices and game in Mobile.

Deiter took a redshirt in 2014 and has started for the Badgers ever since he wrapped that developmental year. The 6-foot-6, 316-pounder not only kept the penalty flags from flying on his account this past season, he allowed a mere 16 pressures in 983 snaps.