Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras (7) takes a snap from center Tyler Linderbaum (65) during a NCAA college football game in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl against Kentucky, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. 220101 Iowa Kentucky Citrus Fb Extra 043 Jpg
Height: 6021
Weight: 302
Hand Size: 1000
Arm Size: 3118
Wingspan: 7558
40-Yard Dash: 4.98
Vertical Jump: 32.5
Broad Jump: 9’ 2”
3-Cone Drill: 7.14
Bench Press: —
Games Watched: Indiana 2021, Iowa State 2021, Maryland 2021,
Tyler Linderbaum was a defensive lineman who converted to center at Iowa after the 2019 season. In his two seasons at center, Linderbaum posted a PFF grade of 91.5 in 2020, followed up with a 95.4 grade in 2021, which was best among centers. He also had a 96.6 run blocking grade, which was also tops at the positions. Linderbaum shows the balance needed to play center, as well as the run blocking acumen to get to the second level and seal off defenders to open up running lanes. He is a good mover in space, displaying his ability to get downfield in a hurry on pulls and screens. At the point of attack, Linderbaum is powerful while maintaining good hand placement. He has a good anchor in pass protection, with plenty of strength for his size.
Linderbaum is a true center only prospect due to his size, and he is only a fit for a handful of schemes in the NFL. Fortunately, the Jets are one of those teams, and they could look to cut ties with current center Connor McGovern to draft him, a move that saves $9M in cap space. Linderbaum posted elite testing numbers at his pro day, solidifying what his college tape has already told us – he should be a first round pick. New York may get lucky and see him fall out of Round 1, but if they don’t think he will make it to 35th overall, they should look to move up and acquire a player of Linderbaum’s talent and potential.