Iowa OL Tyler Linderbaum could become big-time 2021 NFL Draft prospect
Keep an eye on Iowa offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum as a potential high-level 2021 NFL Draft prospect.
On the surface, it may seem unlikely that Tyler Linderbaum leaves Iowa and enters the 2021 NFL Draft after this season. Linderbaum entered the Iowa program as a defensive tackle and spent his redshirt season at the position as well. However, the Hawkeyes moved him to the offensive side of the ball for his redshirt freshman year, making him their starting center last season.
Linderbaum had immediate success for the Hawkeyes at the center position, proving himself to be a stable part of a strong offensive line. Heading into his redshirt sophomore season, Linderbaum is arguably the best offensive lineman in an impressive group and undoubtedly has a chance to take his 2021 NFL Draft stock to the next level in the coming weeks.
Linderbaum is quick off of the ball and does a fantastic job of reaching the second-level in the run game. He has quick feet, strong hands and maintains proper pad level extremely well. Linderbaum was a good wrestler in high school and his wrestling background stands out on the field, as he does a great job of playing with proper leverage.
While his lack of natural size (listed at 6-foot-3, 289 pounds by Iowa) may be concerning to some, Linderbaum is a mean and nasty player who wins with power at the point of attack. He is aggressive at the contact point and uses his natural leverage to drive defenders down the field. Linderbaum also shows good awareness in pass protection and can dig in and anchor at a high level.
Simply put, Linderbaum is a quick and tough player who has only been an offensive lineman for one season. This guy could quickly become the next great offensive lineman to come out of this Iowa program. He is likely a center-only prospect at the next level, but Linderbaum undoubtedly has a ton of upside as a 2021 NFL Draft prospect.
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If Linderbaum has another successful season and leaves early for the 2021 NFL Draft, he could easily be the second-best center in the class behind Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey. He is certainly a guy who we should be keeping a close eye on, starting this weekend as the Big Ten season begins.