Tyler Linderbaum on what it means to follow footsteps of Iowa great Marshal Yanda

The Baltimore Ravens found themselves in need of a new center to anchor their offensive line after losing Bradley Bozeman in free agency this offseason. John Harbaugh and the front office apparently got their guy in Tyler Linderbaum after trading back into the first round.

During his introductory press conference, Tyler Linderbaum spoke about former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Marshal Yanda, along with the historic connections between the NFL franchise and his Iowa Hawkeyes.

“I’ve been in contact with Marshal Yanda,” said Linderbaum. “A great guy, he’s someone who’s been in the facility working out with us when he was playing here. Just kind of seeing his work ethic as a young guy, it’s like, that’s the guy you want to be like. He’s an All-Pro offensive lineman and that’s someone who you want to be.

“And then also just thinking about this organization. Coach Ferentz, back in the day he was here and then Marshal Yanda. So we’ve had two Hawkeyes who are very successful here and just try to get one that path, the same path as them.”

Before the next question came in, John Harbaugh interjected with some context of how Marshal Yanda feels about Tyler Linderbaum and what role he played in the scouting process.

“Marshall visited us, so I didn’t have to call him, because when he visited us he was volunteering information,” said Harbaugh. “He couldn’t talk enough about his guy.”

Jim Harbaugh on Tyler Linderbaum

During the media session, John Harbaugh also had nothing but praise for his latest piece to surround Lamar Jackson on offense. He provided a glowing review of the profile which Marshal Yanda helped build up.

“Tyler is – you hate to put too much pressure on you – but I think in college the best line(man) we’ve seen in many, many years. And Eric (DeCosta) mentioned that last night. It’s just the fact that, when we talked earlier about what we look for in an offensive lineman, we talk about all the traits, but the bottom line is: do they block people? And this is a center who blocks people all the time. Play after play. Many times in dominant fashion, and he’s got all the other greats.”

While the Ravens seem happy to bring in a new center, it came at a steep cost as they packaged Marquis “Hollywood” Brown to the Arizona Cardinals to the displeasure to Lamar Jackson.