The reigning AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals hold the second to last pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, but they have their sight on star prospects.
The Cincinnati Bengals ended their Super Bowl appearance drought of 33 years this past season, notably with star quarterback Joe Burrow. They are now anticipating the 2022 season with some new star players potentially in mind, particularly Tyler Linderbaum as their first-round pick. Nate Tice of The Athletic had Cincy taking the Iowa center in his latest mock draft.
Linderbaum hasn’t started his career in the NFL yet, but he played NCAA Football with the Iowa Hawkeyes as a center. He was named the best interior offensive lineman in the 2022 NFL Draft by Pro Football Network. He is among the top 10 highest prospect grades of all NFL Draft Prospects, with a grade of 6.70.
He’s in consideration as a pick for many teams approaching the NFL Draft, but his chances of joining the Bengals is strong. Linderbaum would be a strong asset to the front line, which would be a perfect lineup to protect Burrow.
What would Tyler Linderbaum offer the Cincinnati Bengals?
Linderbaum may be smaller than the average NFL player, but his ability makes up for any size he may lack. He’s all-around strong with great grip strength, stability, and footwork which makes him a good blocker.
He also has a background in wrestling, so his ability and strategy to tackle is well above average. He plays every game with thought-out actions, which can sometimes take advantage over strength in plays that are executed well enough.
Though playing in the NFL would be much different than playing for the NCAA, his quick wit and determination is likely to carry him far. If he’s drafted to the Bengals this season, he could likely have a breakout season as a rookie.
If the Bengals added the Iowa center, he’d slide in at his preferred position while newly-signed Ted Karras, who would likely play center if the season started today, would slide over to left guard. This would give the Bengals four brand new starters on the offensive line with only left tackle Jonah Williams returning from last year’s abysmal unit.
Linderbaum might seem like a luxury pick but if he’s there at pick 31, why not try to build the strongest possible offensive line?