BACKGROUND: A three-star offensive guard recruit out of high school, Jeffrey Joseph “J.J.” Dielman committed to Utah over Arizona State, Fresno State and San Jose State. After redshirting in 2012 and seeing action in only one game in 2013, he earned the starting right tackle job and started all 13 games as a sophomore. Dielman again started all 13 games at right tackle as a junior, earning Second Team All-Pac 12 honors. He made the transition inside to center for his senior season and started the first five games before a season-ending leg injury.
STRENGTHS: Impressive quickness from snap to contact…efficient set-up with the knee bend to absorb and hold his ground…lateral shuffle, flexible hips and agility to handle gap penetrators…stubborn blocker to shock, keep spacing at the point of attack and finish with aggressive hands…doesn’t always look pretty, but works hard to gain proper angles and wall off run lanes…climbs to the linebacker level and looks natural in space…made the transition to center as a senior and made all the line calls…displays the mental alertness to identify and pick up pressures…NFL bloodlines – cousin (Kris) played nine seasons in the NFL for the Los Angeles Chargers, making four Pro Bowls…senior captain and lunch pail worker, always focusing on the task at hand.
WEAKNESSES: Lack of arm length masked inside at center, but still shows on occasion…average-at-best functional strength…wide, unskilled hand placement, leading to balance issues…overeager upper body with a bad habit of falling off blocks and ending up on the ground…late to detach himself on combinations…lacks a stout base, struggling to anchor vs. bull rushers…near maxed-out frame…has only five career starts at center…older and will turn 24-years old during his NFL rookie season…missed most of his senior season and pre-draft process due to a right Lisfranc foot injury (Oct. 2016).
SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Utah, Dielman was a two-year starter at right tackle before accepting the move inside to center during fall practice of his senior season – put together promising tape at his new position before missing the final eight games of the season. Dielman has only average play strength, but competes with a stubborn attitude, using his lower body bend and aggressive upper body to snatch and sustain in pass pro or steer as a run blocker. Although he has the mental approach and skill-set to add depth at any of the five offensive line positions, Dielman’s lack of length and functional power might limit him inside at center, ideally suited for a zone-scheme – worthy of mid-round consideration if the medicals check out.
