Yet another top prospect has announced his decision to turn pro. Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum, the undisputed top interior offensive linemen in the country, has declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Linderbaum tweeted a statement which reads in part:
“... these last four years have been nothing short of amazing… I will be forever thankful for all the love and support I have received over the last four years and truly could not imagine my time anywhere else… The lifelong friendships I have made are ones that I will cherish forever. To my coaches… thank you for pushing me to be a great football player, but an even better man.“
Linderbaum was originally a defensive linemen, but quickly switched to the offensive side of the ball not long after his arrival. That decision certainly paid off, as he was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy – given to the nation’s top center – in 2020. He lost out to Alabama’s Landon Dickerson that year, but did one better in 2021, becoming the first Hawkeye to ever win the award. He was also a finalist for the Outland Trophy, given to the top interior linemen on either side of the ball, although that honor went to Georgia’s Jordan Davis.
With an utterly dominant 2021 season, Linderbaum earned a 95.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, the highest of any O-linemen in the country. He helped lead the Hawkeyes to the Big Ten Championship game, and he was a valued leader on an otherwise inexperienced line, allowing just one sack all season. In a draft dominated by defensive players and offensive tackles at the top, Linderbaum won’t have to wait long to hear his name called, as he is seen by many as a potential top-10 pick.
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