2022 NFL Draft: 5 Players to watch in Iowa vs Penn State game
By Evan Bruner
2022 NFL Draft prospects to watch: Center Tyler Linderbaum
Watching Tyler Linderbaum play, it’s hard to believe that he’s a converted defensive lineman that didn’t start playing center until his freshman season at Iowa back in 2019. Linderbaum is a natural, and as he’s gotten more comfortable playing the position, his draft stock has only risen.
Linderbaum’s high-level wrestling background is evident in how he plays the position. His aggressive nature and willingness to attack are traits commonly found in former wrestlers. Linderbaum also uses great hand placement to secure a dominant position when blocking.
Listed at around 290 pounds, Linderbaum would be on the smaller side for an NFL center. The leaner frame gives him some incredible mobility, rarely seen at the position. One of the most impressive things on Linderbaum’s tape is his ability to get downfield when run blocking. Despite the smaller stature, Linderbaum’s play strength is still a major positive as he is rarely overpowered by bigger defensive linemen.
Linderbaum is seen as one of the safest prospects in the upcoming draft, and it’s easy to see why. He only has a few years’ worth of experience at the position, and he can do things that players with far more experience can’t.
Current Projection: Mid first round