Tyler Linderbaum sends message to critics questioning his height

Entering the 2022 NFL Draft, former Iowa Hawkeyes center Tyler Linderbaum had some critics that questioned his height as an offensive lineman. The Baltimore Ravens ended up taking Linderbaum with the No. 25 overall pick in the first round.

At his introductory press conference with the Ravens, Linderbaum sent a message to his critics that doubted him because of his height. In the end, Linderbaum knows he is a good football player and that’s what he focuses on.

“Yeah, I mean I knew right when I declared for the NFL Draft, like someone’s gonna find something bad about me and that was the size,” Linderbaum said. “So at the end of the day it’s how you go on the field and how you play football, play to your strengths. That’s what I think I do well. So everyone has opinions and that’s their opinions, but I know I can play football.”

In his collegiate career at Iowa, Linderbaum turned into one of the top interior offensive linemen in all of college football. Now, he is expected to become the next starting center for the Ravens as a rookie.

The Ravens are excited about adding Linderbaum

If it wasn’t clear when they took Linderbaum in the first round, the Ravens are undoubtedly excited about adding the talented lineman. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh called Linerbaum one of the best college offensive lineman he’s seen in a while, and has high hopes for him right out of the gate.

“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.”

The Ravens aren’t the only one excited about the fit, though, as Linderbaum is thrilled with his landing spot. He believes that he fits the Ravens style of offense, and that it will be a good fit as he begins his NFL career.

“Especially a team that likes to run the ball, you gotta be a tough, gritty team,” Linderbaum said. “Physical at the point of attack, and that’s something that I think I do a good job at. So once I get here I’m excited to get around the guys, you know they got a great group of guys here. I’m ready to get around them and just show them what I can do to help out this team and to win football games.”