| ♦Age/D.O.B. | 21/04.07.2000 |
| ♦Class: | Junior |
| ♦Height: | 6’3″ |
| ♦Weight: | 290 lbs. |
| ♦Hometown: | Solon, Iowa |
| ♦College: | Iowa Hawkeyes |
Tyler Linderbaum is a powerhouse, literally…
The Iowa Hawkeyes are known for putting out some of the strongest offensive linemen in all of college football. According to the Hawkeyes’ strength coach Raimond Braithwaite, their 2020 2nd team All-Big Ten center, Tyler Linderbaum, is no different. A football player with a wrestling background makes for an ideal player you want to anchor the middle of your offensive front. His play strength consistently shows on the football field each Saturday for the Hawkeyes.
#Iowa stud center Tyler Linderbaum (#65) not being very nice to the ISU linebacker.
He’s got that nasty, competitive edge you want. pic.twitter.com/McJcq9NDXI
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 13, 2021
While strength is a pivotal core trait of any offensive lineman, Linderbaum separates himself with specific critical characteristics for the center position.
Linderbaum will be a highly coveted center in the 22′ NFL draft due to his athleticism…
With many NFL organizations utilizing zone blocking schemes, some teams are seeking more athletic offensive linemen. Take the Minnesota Vikings, for example, who have emphasized acquiring smaller but more athletic linemen to run their outside zone blocking scheme in years past. For Linderbaum, his lighter weight enables him to play quicker and allows him to play more effectively laterally as a blocker.
Tyler Linderbaum, wide zone extraordinaire pic.twitter.com/0ZVMhG7XDY
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) August 17, 2021
As you can see above, he possesses quick feet that allow him to reach his wide zone-blocking assignments with ease. His athleticism is top-tier, and I expect him to perform well at the 2022 NFL Combine in numerous drills. However, there is some room for improvement in his game.
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Where can he improve and what does his draft stock look like currently?
There isn’t much negative that scouts can say about Linderbaum. The Iowa native is one of the more complete center prospects in recent years, according to many.Â
However, if there was one aspect of his game that he could improve, it’s his hand usage. At times, Tyler’s hands get too wide on opposing defenders and throw him off balance as a result. Moreover, his lighter weight could concern some teams. If he were to gain between 5-10 more pounds of good weight, that would thrill even more NFL teams. However, with a bit of coaching up, he will make a seamless transition to the NFL. Look for him to win 1st Team All-Big Ten Honors this year as a Hawkeye and become a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft. He is a player any NFL organization would be thrilled to have due to his athleticism, strength, and mental toughness.
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*Top Photo: Patrick Gorski/USA Today Sports