There’s one common theme for Iowa center [autotag]Tyler Linderbaum[/autotag] in most every 2022 NFL mock draft. He’s coming off the board somewhere in the first round. Linderbaum would represent the 11th Hawkeye drafted in the first round during Iowa head coach [autotag]Kirk Ferentz[/autotag]’s tenure if that’s indeed the case.
In our collection of some of the most recent 2022 NFL mock drafts, Linderbaum had two popular destinations. Five different analysts from NFL.com, Touchdown Wire and Draft Wire all had Linderbaum landing with either the Baltimore Ravens or the Cincinnati Bengals.
One CBS sports writer also had Linderbaum landing with the Bengals, but two others have different potential destinations in mind.
No. 31 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals
CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli also forecasts Linderbaum to the Cincinnati Bengals with the No. 31 overall pick.
The Bengals have done a lot to address their offensive line already this offseason, but this is too good of a value to pass up. Linderbaum is one of the safest bets in this class. – Fornelli, CBS Sports.
Again, this is a popular landing spot for Linderbaum. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked 16 times throughout Cincinnati’s playoff run to the Super Bowl, so it makes sense why the Bengals would be in the market to beef up the interior of their offensive line.
No. 16 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles
CBS Sports writer Will Brinson projects Linderbaum to be drafted No. 16 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jason Kelce just re-upped, so center isn’t a “need” for the Eagles. But imagine giving Linderbaum a year’s worth of tutelage under Kelce. – Brinson, CBS Sports.
As Brinson noted, Philadelphia and All-Pro center Jason Kelce just agreed to a new $14 million contract, but this makes sense projecting forward. Kelce has mulled retirement each of the past few offseasons, so getting Linderbaum now means the Eagles wouldn’t have to worry about what their center situation looks like this time next year.
No. 24 overall to the Dallas Cowboys
How about America’s team? Tyler Biadasz just finished his first full season starting for the Dallas Cowboys, but there’s talk that they may be looking to upgrade in this 2022 NFL draft. Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum could help them do just that. CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson certainly sees that as a realistic possibility.
Tyler Biadasz was good at times last season but there’s certainly room for upgrading the interior OL. And if Tyler Linderbaum is still on the board, this is a layup for the front office. Linderbaum is one of the best offensive linemen, even at center, and he could certainly go much higher than this. – Wilson, CBS Sports.
If the Cowboys went this route, it would upgrade their center position and add depth to Dallas’ offensive line. There’s so many possible landing spots on the board for Linderbaum in this 2022 NFL draft and every day it feels more likely that he will be a first-round selection.
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