2022 NFL Draft Notebook: Preseason All-Underrated Offensive Team
By John Blair
Top center: Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
By far the best center in the 2022 NFL Draft and best interior offensive lineman in the class is Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum. Linderbaum has all the skills to be a standout in the NFL, displaying outstanding quickness off the ball and overall athletic ability. He also shows impressive strength despite being only 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds and has handled massive defensive tackles like Nebraska’s 6-foot-3 325-pound defensive tackle Damion Daniels.
Most Overrated: Colin Newell, Iowa State
This was a hard pick to make as no center stood out as someone who was being vastly overrated. However, the player whose stock might be a little too high is Iowa State’s Colin Newell. While Newell shows good strength and could be a backup center in a power scheme his lack of agility and tendency to lunge hurts him in space.
Center that should significantly improve his stock: Chris Owens, Alabama
Alabama center Chris Owens took over for Landon Dickerson in the SEC Championship Game after Dickerson suffered a season-ending injury, and this year he should be a full-time starter. More time on the field this year will definitely help Owens stock this year as he shows the power to be a mid-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Biggest risk: Matt Allen, Michigan State
To say Michigan State’s Matt Allen is injury prone is an understatement. He missed all but one game last year due to a foot injury. He also missed four games in 2019 and three games in 2018 due to injuries. On the positive side, Allen is a quick athletic lineman who could be an ideal fit in a zone offense if he can stay healthy.
Top small school school center: Colby Thomas, Sam Houston State
This year’s small school group of centers does not offer much with Colby Thomas being the only player to earn a draftable or priority free agent grade. Thomas has been one of the better linemen in the FCS though being named an AP All-American last year and is a two-time All-Southland pick.
Overall Rankings
1. Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa (first round)
2. Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame (third round)
3. Dohnovan West, Arizona State (third round)
4. Alec Lindstrom, Boston College (fourth round)
5. Alex Forsyth, Oregon (fifth round)
6. Luke Wattenberg, Washington (fifth round)
7. Chris Owens, Alabama (fifth round)
8. James Empey, BYU (fifth round)
9. Michael Maietti, Missouri (sixth round)
10. Kody Russey, Louisiana Tech (seventh round)
11. Colin Newell, Iowa State (seventh round)
12. Nathan Eldridge, Oregon State (free agent)
13. Matt Allen, Michigan State (free agent)
14. Jack Wohlabaugh, Duke (free agent)
15. Nick Ford, Utah (free agent)
16. Liam Shanahan, LSU (free agent)
17. Colby Thomas, Sam Houston State (free agent)
18. Dawson Deaton, Texas Tech (free agent)