One year ago, the Miami Dolphins selected Wisconsin offensive lineman Michael Deiter to serve as a key part of the team’s 2019 offensive line unit. Indeed, Deiter played a vast majority of the season in 2019 — but he didn’t necessarily play well. It’s hard to blame the rookie for his short comings too much, though. Given the poor play of center Daniel Kilgore and Miami’s revolving door at left tackle, Deiter was effectively charged with being the constant variable and stabilizing factor of the left side of the team’s line last year.
In reality, Deiter should have been asked to be the weak link. But that’s what happens when you trade your standout left tackle a week before the start of the season, as the Dolphins did with Laremy Tunsil. Deiter’s play undoubtedly suffered and there’s little question that his play would have been better in a better environment.
But now we must question whether or not Deiter is going to reclaim a starting role in 2020. The Dolphins came out swinging this offseason and added five new offensive linemen into the fray — free agents Ereck Flowers and Ted Karras plus draftees Austin Jackson, Robert Hunt and Solomon Kindley. Where that leaves Deiter is hard to say. One thing we do know is that Deiter had positional flexibility at Wisconsin, a trait that could potentially elevate him into the 6th OL role in Miami’s new look offensive line. Or perhaps some of Deiter’s struggles at first contact could be remedied with a move to center, where he could compete with Ted Karras for a starting role.
If the Dolphins are intent on leaving Jesse Davis among the team’s best five linemen, Deiter’s only chances to stay in the starting lineup loom with pushing Karras at center or possibly staving of Robert Hunt at right guard. For what the Dolphins are paying Flowers, he’s assured a starting spot. And Deiter, for his flexibility, isn’t a fit outside at tackle.
So, with the 2020 NFL Draft in the rear view, Deiter must gear up for a big battle this summer. His starting job depends on him showing well.