Ravens ‘need to grab’ Tyler Linderbaum in the 2022 NFL Draft
By Kristen Wong
Of all the positions the Baltimore Ravens should address this offseason, their offensive line may need the most help. Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum could be a smart draft pick come April.
Barring another injury-riddled season, the Ravens are poised to compete for the AFC North title in 2022 — as long as they acquire a few major reinforcements.
The Ravens will be seeking upgrades to their offensive line, in particular, after a mediocre 2021 season that revealed Baltimore’s crippling weaknesses in the trenches.
The team could look no further than the draft to rejuvenate its aging offensive line and pick up likely Day 1 starter Tyler Linderbaum from Iowa.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed one prospect every NFL team needs to grab in the 2022 NFL Draft, factoring in team needs, player potential, and projected draft positioning. Per Knox, the Ravens should pick up Tyler Linderbaum if he falls to the 14th pick:
"“Given the need to improve pass protection and the importance of the running game to Baltimore’s offense, Linderbaum is a logical Round 1 target for the Ravens. He’s a skilled, physical anchor on the interior who can assist Baltimore in both areas.”"
Baltimore Ravens can improve O-line with Iowa prospect Tyler Linderbaum
Knox notes that Linderbaum is top-10 draft material but could fall later since interior linemen aren’t valued as highly as their tackle counterparts.
If he’s on the board, the Ravens could have their perfect replacement for Bradley Bozeman.
Bozeman seems likely to walk in free agency after an excellent 2021 season, leaving the Ravens in a very tough position. Other than Bozeman and veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, Baltimore’s offensive line struggled to protect Lamar Jackson all year.
Linderbaum at least presents a young, developmental option with the upside to become a franchise center for Baltimore.
The Draft Network posited that Linderbaum’s ideal fit in a team would be at the starting center position, calling him a “highly polished, highly cerebral and dynamic weapon on the offensive line” with unique traits.
As a former high school wrestler, Linderbaum has also “shown the ability to apply his wrestling background to sit down on rushes and anchor in the middle.”
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Simply put, Linderbaum could be worth the investment. And the Ravens need to start investing in their offensive line sooner rather than later.
Can you see Tyler Linderbaum in the Ravens’ future?