Several Baltimore Ravens were snubbed in NFL.com’s iteration of the Top 100 players in the league. First-team All-Pro Marlon Humphrey failed to make the list, versatile safety Kyle Hamilton ranked outside the top 50, and defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike was also excluded from the list.
Among the craziest snubs, two-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum stands out. Evidently, the rankings undervalue the center position, since Kansas City Chiefs star Creed Humphrey was the only player at the position to make the list, at 93. On ESPN’s list, though, Linderbaum received the praise he deserves.
The Ravens had six players ranked inside the top 100. Along with Linderbaum at 73, Humphrey at 88, Roquan Smith at 49, Derrick Henry at 29, Kyle Hamilton at 15, and Lamar Jackson at 4 were the others listed.
Ravens writer for ESPN, Jamison Hensley, highlighted the key factors that make Linderbaum one of the top players in the league. He wrote:
“The only Pro Bowl center in Ravens history, Linderbaum led an offensive line that blocked for the NFL's No. 1 rushing attack and allowed the third-fewest sacks (24) last season. In his two Pro Bowl seasons (2023-24), Baltimore has totaled the second-most touchdowns (116) and fewest negative plays (476).”
Tyler Linderbaum garners high praise ahead of pivotal contract year
Linderbaum is entering his fourth NFL season, and he has quickly become one of the best centers in the league. He is recognized as the second-best center in football by most, with just Creed Humphrey ranking above him. The Ravens know his impact up front, but are choosing not to pick up his fifth-year option ahead of the 2025 campaign.
The option would have cost Baltimore $23.4 million, making it a smart financial decision for now. However, Linderbaum’s extension is expected to come with a hefty price tag. Coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons at age 25, he has only increased his contract value ahead of free agency in 2026.
General Manager Eric DeCosta has the Linderbaum extension as one of the team’s top priorities moving forward, and it obviously comes with good reason. It could be tough to get done with their loaded pending free agent class in the 2026 offseason, but the former Iowa standout is a backbone to Baltimore’s offense, and DeCosta must find a way to make the money work.