Hunter Dimick, DE, Utah: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Despite not being invited to the Combine, Utah’s Hunter Dimick is expected to join a long list of edge rushers selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Player Summary

Hunter Dimick, a 2012 three-star recruit, started 33 of 43 career games for Utah. He missed six games in 2015 as a result of a separated AC joint in his shoulder. Despite missing much of his junior season, he still set the school record for most sacks in a career with 29.5. In 2016, he recorded 14.5 of those sacks and added 20 tackles for a loss on his way to being named first-team all-Pac-12.

In his career, Dimick recorded 150 tackles, 44 for a loss and 29.5 sacks. He played for one head coach and three defensive coordinators in his college career and primarily lined up at left defensive end in Utah’s 4-3 base defense. He earned an invitation to the East-West Shrine Game, however he was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. He possesses solid size with adequate athletic ability. 

Measureables

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 268 pounds

Pro Day Numbers

40-Yard Dash: 4.74 seconds

Bench Press: 38 reps

Games Watched

2016: California, Indiana, USC, Washington

2015: BYU

Strengths

Hunter Dimick aggressively attacks the offensive lineman at the snap and displays solid timing with his hands to initiate contact. As a pass rusher, he possesses a strong base from which he generates good leverage from. He demonstrates very good mental processing, reading the play quickly and reacting accordingly.

In the play below, Dimick drops into coverage and picks up the outside receiver to the right of the offensive formation. The Indiana receiver runs a shallow out route which Dimick diagnoses immediately and mirrors closely. The quarterback thought he had a matchup advantage and stared down the receiver waiting for separation to occur. By the time the QB tries to move on to his next progression, time has run out and he takes a sack. Dimick didn’t drop into coverage very often, but he proved more than capable of doing so when asked.

When not dropping into coverage, Dimick displays a solid repertoire of moves. He possesses a good spin to the outside and swim move inside, however his best move is the bull rush. When utilizing the bull rush, he shows off very good play strength as he drives offensive linemen back into the quarterback.

As seen in the play below, it doesn’t matter how big the opponent is, Dimick has the strength to win the battle. He’s taking on USC’s Zach Banner on this play, a right tackle with about 90 pounds on Dimick.

In the run game, Dimick maintains good leverage and won’t be pushed off the line of scrimmage. He has an elite ability to keep contain and force the ball carrier back to the inside when running off tackle. He uses strong hands to shed blocks quickly and demonstrates solid closing speed. A reliable tackler, Dimick limits yards after contact by bringing the ball carrier to the ground at the point of attack.

Weaknesses

Hunter Dimick possesses a marginal burst off the line at the snap as a result of adequate athletic ability. While he displays solid timing with his hands, his placement is wide which allows the opponent to get his hands inside Dimick’s pads.

Below is an example of this as the BYU lineman is able to get his hands inside and drive Dimick out of the play. This opens up a large running lane for the ball carrier to rush through and gain 29 yards.

When bending around the edge, Dimick displays marginal flexibility and balance as he attempts to bend the arc.

Dimick has limited range against the run as adequate lateral agility prevents him from consistently making plays down the line of scrimmage.

Overall

Overall, Hunter Dimick is a future NFL starter at the seven technique who wins with functional strength and mental processing skills. Despite setting a school record for sacks, he’s not someone who possesses the athletic ability to consistently get to the quarterback at the next level.

Although he wasn’t invited to the Scouting Combine, Dimick should still be selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. He may not be an early-round pick, but he provides very good value on day three of the draft. Dimick will have a chance to play immediately on special teams and should contribute as a rotational defensive end in a 4-3 scheme early in his career.