Iowa
2022 NFL Draft scouting report: Iowa C Tyler Linderbaum
The 2022 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and the Atlanta Falcons have rapidly grow to be one of the vital intriguing groups to observe on this 12 months’s occasion. There are a selection of the way the Falcons can go along with their No. 8 general decide, they usually’ve obtained 5 of the highest 82 picks on this draft.
Within the lead-up to this necessary draft for Atlanta, we’re going to be offering our evaluations of among the prime prospects. For these unfamiliar with our course of, we’re utilizing Kevin Knight’s personal grading system, which you’ll examine right here. This method remains to be in growth and minor tweaks could also be made as extra knowledge is out there.
At the moment’s prospect is Iowa middle Tyler Linderbaum. Have been positional worth not a factor, Linderbaum can be among the many prime 10 gamers on this draft. He’s an athletic and violent run blocker who has the steadiness and adaptability to fend off move rushers on the subsequent stage. Issues about his measurement—significantly his arm size—persist, however the two-time All-American ought to grow to be an excellent professional in the suitable scheme.
OC | Tyler Linderbaum | Iowa | #65
RAS: 9.57U* Outcomes taken from 4/11 Professional Day
Video games watched: Nebraska, Wisconsin, Michigan
SUMMARY
Probably the most well-rounded and polished middle prospects to return out in fairly a while, Tyler Linderbaum has a ability set that ought to make his transition to the NFL pretty clean. Linderbaum excelled in a number of varsity sports activities whereas in highschool, together with wrestling; he pinned NFL offensive deal with and former Iowa teammate Tristan Wirfs as a junior in regionals.
That pure athleticism and honed toughness leap out on movie. Linderbaum explodes off the snap to realize first positioning on nearly each snap, and his very good leverage makes it troublesome for defenders to regroup. He’s masterful on attain blocks, getting his head throughout the physique of 3-technique defenders earlier than they’ve taken a step upfield. Linderbaum is finest suited as an on-the-move zone blocker. He climbs to the second stage naturally, takes appropriate angles and is savvy at figuring out threats to the play because it unfolds.
Linderbaum is a tick higher as a run blocker at this level, however he has the instruments to be an asset in move safety earlier than too lengthy. Hardly ever was the two-time All-American off-balance, even when in a compromised place. He has the anchor to stifle bull rushes, though that will probably be examined within the NFL. Will get his fingers inside and latches on to manage the engagement. Quick arms make the margin for error in Linderbaum’s timing pretty slim. Nonetheless, Linderbaum is a handful as soon as he will get his mitts on a defender. Retains eyes as much as determine late defensive motion, however he may use polish as a assist blocker in move units.
The questions surrounding Linderbaum largely need to do along with his measurement, which probably limits him to sure schemes, and the positional worth of a middle within the draft. Neither of these is actually in his management, however the former has actually not been a hindrance for Linderbaum to date. He compares favorably to gamers like Jason Kelce, Corey Linsley or Jeff Saturday. Linderbaum ought to begin and play effectively from Day 1.
SKILLSET NOTES
Dimension: 4
Small, even by middle requirements. Dimension will probably relegate him to a center-only function within the NFL. Performs a lot larger than his measurement would point out. Could also be off groups’ boards because of measurement requirements.
Flexibility: 8
Excellent flexibility as an inside lineman. Exhibits up whereas on the transfer, the place he can keep steadiness and management from quite a lot of off-platform positions. Retains cleats within the floor. Wraps round and turns defenders on attain blocks.
Energy: 6
Packs a punch for a participant labeled “undersized.” Has the mandatory energy to anchor in move safety and transfer defenders within the run sport. Glorious energy in his fingers. Higher fitted to a zone or hole scheme. Will need assistance in opposition to the larger our bodies within the NFL.
Athleticism: 8
Fires out rapidly from his stance to have interaction defenders within the run sport. Strikes simply to the second stage and past. Will successfully make attain blocks because of his quickness. Initially performed defensive deal with due to his pure athletic means.
Leverage: 8
Performs with nice leverage proper from the snap. Wins the positioning battle earlier than his opponent is aware of what hit him. Wrestling background exhibits in his pure hip explosion and physique management. Understands the way to use a defender’s leverage in opposition to him.
Arms: 7
Virtually preternatural hand-usage means. Very disciplined on this space. Retains his fingers contained in the defender to manage him. Doesn’t go for pointless holds if he can’t attain a defender correctly. Doesn’t at all times absolutely have interaction a defender and may slide off.
Move Safety: 6
Lively and alert as a move blocker. Stays balanced and drops his anchor to stall rushes up the center. Creates a superb pocket for his quarterback. Reloads fingers to battle pass-rush counters. Dealt with the bull rush effectively, however NFL measurement could also be a distinct story. Shorter arms could also be an issue in opposition to prolonged inside gamers.
Run Blocking: 7
Comes out low and arduous within the run sport. Attain block is phenomenal to manage gaps from a leverage drawback. Climbs to the second stage effectively. Received’t transfer nostril tackles off the ball within the run sport 1-on-1 on the subsequent stage. Can lose grip on defenders when off-balance.
Consciousness: 6
Retains his eyes up and downfield to watch late blitzes or line motion. May be too involved about stunts and twists at instances. Identifies second-level defenders rapidly as a run blocker. Glorious understanding of angles.
Aggressive Toughness: 8
A former wrestler, and it exhibits up in his sport. Appears to be like for motion when he’s uncovered and can play throughout the whistle. Takes the battle to opposing gamers and units the tone up entrance.
Athleticism: 9.57, 19/20
Linderbaum didn’t take part on the NFL Mix or Iowa’s Professional Day because of a foot sprain he suffered in his last collegiate sport. He held a private workout recently and showcased the excellent athletic profile he has for the place. Linderbaum ought to instantly grow to be one of the vital athletic offensive linemen upon getting into the league.