2022 NFL Draft Profile: C Tyler Linderbaum

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Regarded as the most polished, technically-sound offensive lineman in this class, Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum opened eyes in 2019. Converting from the defensive line, the six-foot-three, 290-pound center garnered national attention in 2020, earning First-Team Big 10 honors. After, he followed up with a stellar 2021 campaign, taking home the Rimington Trophy and unanimous All-American honors.

Strengths

Constant motion and darting hands. Linderbaum, hand-foot placement coordination makes him the best draftable center in this class. Following that, the ability to control and shift defensive lineman out of the way. Now, Linderbaum relies on pure technique, leverage, and timing to win one on ones. Granted, most centers possess excellent football intellect. However, the prospect stands out on the field. From play to play, he approaches the snap the exact same, never tipping the play call. Next, he will call out the protections and adjustments, with the full faith of the quarterback.

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Weaknesses

In all honesty, this is the lone area of needed improvement. At 290 pounds, the prospect must add bulk and strength to his frame. At the next level, defensive tackles will attempt to muscle, forklift, and discard the centers. Linderbaum will struggle against the elite defenders with plus strength. Granted, technique carries you far, but brute force, at his position is needed.

Ideal Role

One lucky team will draft Linderbaum in the first round. With that, he possesses the skillset to anchor a team for the next decade. Regardless of the tenured quarterback, Linderbaum will command respect in the huddle. The center controls the huddle and makes sure that everyone knows their line assignments.

Potential Fits

During their best years of late, the New York Jets enjoy one specific luxury that most teams didn’t. From Kevin Mawae to Nick Mangold, New York thrived with a tough, savvy leader that fully controlled the line of scrimmage. As a result, the team thrived, not only in the run game but also in the passing attack. Meanwhile, across the locker room, the New York Giants, under Brian Daboll needs to construct a team around Daniel Jones. In all candor, the Giants struggled offensively under the previous regime and looked lost in 2021. Plus, both New York teams own multiple first-round picks, so grabbing an offensive lineman doesn’t seem like that far-fetched of an idea.