OG Michael Deiter, Wisconsin

6’6” – 328 lbs. – N/A
Started all thirteen games as a redshirt freshman, seven at left guard and six at center. Started ten games at center and four at left guard the following year, then all fourteen at left tackle as a junior and all thirteen at left guard as a junior and senior, respectively. One of the biggest guard prospects in this year’s class, with an excellent combination of height and bulk. Overpowering, road-grading run blocker who can block down on angles and clear big holes for ballcarriers. Fires out pretty low for a bigger player and drives his legs after contact to generate push and finish blocks. Plays with a physical, nasty disposition. Has the power to jolt opponents on contact but can sometimes let his hands slip outside instead of placing them high and inside. Occasionally demonstrates a tendency to block with his body instead of getting extension with his arms. Wasn’t asked to pull too much but flashes the ability to climb to the second level and engage linebackers. Has good grip strength to twist defenders down and pick up pancakes when he’s able to lock on; good finisher. A little bit more of a work in progress in pass protection despite having played left tackle as a junior. On the positive side, does a good job of getting his arms extended and is able to bend at the knees. Can knock defenders off-balance with his hands. However, also has a tendency to duck his head or lean on opponents, giving up leverage and allowing them to control him. Can sometimes lose the leverage battle and get walked back into the pocket despite his size, dropping a late anchor; doesn’t hold his ground against bull-rushers as well as you’d think. Falls off of some blocks when faced with quick, penetrating types; has explosiveness when firing out of his stance as a run-blocker, but lateral quickness is just average. A team captain coming from Wisconsin’s very highly-regarded zone-blocking system, and with four years of starting experience between tackle, guard, and center, he has the size, power, and nastiness to dominate in the run game, but needs to do a better job of framing up opponents and holding his ground in pass protection, where his play is less impressive. Still looks like a solid candidate to be one of the first offensive guards off the board, probably some time on the second day.