By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: Under Kirk Ferentz, Iowa has been a factory for offensive line talent for the NFL, and Linderbaum will keep that tradition going in the 2022 NFL Draft. He broke into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman in 2019 and never looked back. After a superb 2020 season, Linderbaum dominated the Big Ten in 2021, and he finished his season with phenomenal performance against a good Kentucky defense in the Citrus Bowl. Linderbaum could be a plus NFL starter early in his pro career.
The first thing that stands out about Linderbaum is how fast he plays. He is good ball handler who delivers quick, firm snaps to his quarterback. After the snap, Linderbaum is a lightning bolt out of his stance, instantly firing into his block. Not only is Linderbaum immediately getting into the chest of a lineman, he has rare acceleration to the linebackers and gets to them much faster than expected. Linderbaum is very athletic and fluid in space. He showed phenomenal speed at times, even getting downfield on a screen and rocking a defender to spring his back for a good gain.
As a run blocker, Linderbaum is not overwhelmingly powerful, but he has good strength. Linderbaum will tie up, turn, and manipulate defenders to move them away from his back. His speed makes him a real weapon to pull or spring backs for gains with a key block at the second level. Iowa has been an offensive line factory for the NFL, and that can be seen in Linderbaum’s development as he is a technician with intelligence and toughness.
Linderbaum is rock solid in pass protection. He bends at the knee and has excellent body lean. With his quickness and loose ankles, Linderbaum can glide and slide to keep himself between speed rushers and the quarterback. Linderbaum also has a strong lower body, so he can sink his hips to stonewall bull rushers. With guard-tandem blocks, Linderbaum packs a punch and eats up defensive tackles. He will be an asset in the NFL to help maintain a clean pocket and provide his quarterback room to step up.
Linderbaum looks like a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He could be a plug-and-play starter with the potential to be a Pro Bowler before the end of his rookie contract.
Player Comparison: Rodney Hudson. Linderbaum reminds me of Hudson given the speed and athleticism while being a little short and light. Hudson (6-2, 310) was a second-round pick of the Chiefs and has been an excellent pro over the past decade. Linderbaum could be a similar caliber pro.
RELATED LINKS:
2022 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2022 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
NFL Picks - Oct. 10
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Oct. 9
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