2022 NFL Mock Draft: Malik Willis in the top 5, Cowboys get elite EDGE

By Randy Gurzi | Sep 6, 2021

Dec 26, 2020; Orlando, FL, USA; Liberty Flames quarterback Malik Willis (7) runs the ball in for a touchdown as Coastal Carolina Chanticleers safety Alex Spillum (10) defends during the second half of the Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /

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Iowa freshman center Tyler Linderbaum scans the field before snapping the ball against Purdue on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.20191019 Iowavspurdue /

C. Tyler Linderbaum. Pick Analysis. Iowa. 27. player. 26. Scouting Report

27. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

One of the reasons the Baltimore Ravens have been so successful for so long is the play of their offensive line. However, that line lost a few pieces this season and while they did replace their departures, they did so mainly with veterans such as Kevin Zeitler and Alejandro Villanueva.

Baltimore did pick up Ben Cleveland but they do need to continue to re-tool the line, which is why they take Tyler Linderbaum from Iowa with their first pick in the draft. Linderbaum is arguably the best center in this class and what really stands out is his willingness to mix it up with anyone.

According to Nick Farabaugh of Pro Football Network, this can be attributed to his background in wrestling, where he once was able to beat a former teammate, Tristan Wirfs, who was a first-round pick himself.

"“A former wrestler, Linderbaum’s physical tools and playing style seemed tailor-made to be a bully on the offensive side of the football. Linderbaum even beat first-round pick and former teammate Tristian Wirfs in 2017 to send his wrestling team to states. In other words, this is not a guy to mess with, especially when he gets dirty in the trenches.” — Farabaugh, Pro Football Network"

Having a bit of an edge is always a plus for offensive lineman and Linderbaum would definitely bring that to the table.

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