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Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Denver Broncos have signed center J.J. Dielman off the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad and added him to their 53-man roster.
The #Broncos are signing OL JJ Dielman, the former #Bengals 5th round pick, off of Cincy’s practice squad, source said. A present and future investment.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2017
The Broncos did put a waiver claim on Dielman back in September per 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis, but he was awarded to the Los Angeles Rams. Now the Broncos finally got their guy.
Dielman is a 6’5”, 300lb offensive lineman/center who is finishing up his rookie year in the NFL. He played his college ball at Utah before being drafted in the 5th round, pick 176 in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Here is a scouting report on Dielman from NFL Network’s draft expert Lance Zierlein.
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 stellar technique without addition of 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.
With Connor McGovern taking over the right guard spot with veteran Ron Leary on the season-ending IR, the Broncos needed a backup center. Dielman is someone they have liked and was available so it was a perfect fit for them.
As Rapoport said, this move is for the present and more so the future for the Broncos. Dielman is a rookie and can lock down the backup center/guard role on the team for next season.