Second-year Raven establishing himself as one of best at position

The Ravens seem to have hit the jackpot on one of their draft picks from a year ago. Second-year center Tyler Linderbaum has quickly become one of the top players at his position.

Baltimore's 2022 first-round pick has allowed zero sacks or quarterback hits on 136 pass-blocking snaps to begin the season, per Pro Football Focus.

The Iowa product's start to the season is even more impressive as he has been reportedly dealing with a high-ankle sprain for much of the year.

It's not often that a center is taken in the first round of the draft, but Linderbaum was an intriguing option after being named an All-American and winning the Rimington Trophy, which is awarded to the player considered to be the best center in college football.

He has surely lived up to the hype and then some, and the happiest person out of everyone may be QB Lamar Jackson.

The relationship between a quarterback and his center is an important one, and Jackson and Linderbaum seem to be set for many years to come.

The Ravens have typically been a run-first team, so strengthening their trenches has always been a focal point. Linderbaum may just be the best player on Baltimore's offensive line just under a year-and-a-half into his NFL career.

Linderbaum will have another great test to prove himself as one of the top centers in the game in Week 7 when the Ravens (4-2) host the Lions (5-1), who have the best run defense in the league.

It's safe to say Linderbaum is looking forward to the matchup.

"These guys certainly have the pieces, play well as a team and definitely bring some challenges," Linderbaum told reporters. "It's gonna be a good challenge ... can't wait to get to Sunday."