John Harbaugh on what Tyler Linderbaum brings to offensive line

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 with a blockbuster deal.

During an introductory press conference for Tyler Linderbaum and Kyle Hamilton, John Harbaugh had nothing but praise for his latest piece to surround Lamar Jackson on offense.

“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.

More about Tyler Linderbaum

Former Iowa offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum became the 25th overall pick in first round of the 2022 NFL Draft when the Baltimore Ravens selected him with their second pick of the night. A lifelong dream now turns into generational wealth as Spotrac revealed the details of his rookie deal with the team.

According to Spotrac, Linderbaum should sign a four-year with the Baltimore Ravens worth $13.2 million after his selection. The deal would also include an $6.8 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option, as all first-round picks do.

The deal is also fully guaranteed and includes a 2022 cap hit of just $2.4 million.

At 6-foot-2, 296-pounds, Linderbaum entered the 2022 NFL Draft after winning the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the best center in college football, along with All-Big Ten and All-American honors. Although offensive lineman do not fill the stat sheet, his wrestling background and national recognition make him a fan favorite on the inside.

A former three-star plus recruit in the class of 2018, he was the No. 458 overall player in the nation per the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. The Solon, Iowa native also ranked as the No. 46 defensive lineman at the time and No. 2 player in his home state after playing at Solon High School.