Ravens urgency grows after another glowing evaluation of Tyler Linderbaum
It doesn't typically take long to distinguish 'special'. There's a reason why some prospects receive first-round grades and others don't. The Baltimore Ravens saw something in Tyler Linderbaum before making him the 25th player taken during the 2022 NFL Draft. Then again, everyone did.
It isn't typical to discuss the Iowa Hawkeyes and revel in things they are doing on offense. Tyler changed that, for a season at least, but after shining during his final collegiate seasons, every NFL team was on notice as he declared he was ready to conquer the next level, football's highest.
2021 was the crowning jewel as he racked up a lot of hardware for the shelf. In addition to a First-Team All-Big Ten nod (his second), he won the Rimington Trophy and Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honors.
He was also named a Unanimous All-American. No one doubted his talent would translate to the NFL, but just in case there was someone who might have, Mr. Linderbaum has certainly extinguished any concern in which he is mentioned.
Consecutive Pro Bowl nods followed a spot on the 2022 Pro Football Writers Association's All-Rookie Team nods after the 2023 and 2024 Ravens seasons. Now comes the obligatory question about pay. When might an extension come?
The Ravens may want to quicken their plan for Tyler Linderbaum after PFF's recent mention
As seasons pass and the pages of the calendar turn, salaries get more exaggerated and expensive. Don't look now, but time has flown. Tyler Linderbaum enters year four of his rookie contract, and so far, there's been no news of an extension.
By being a first-round draft choice, a fifth-year club option is baked into his deal, but the Ravens seemingly don't want to wait too long to get him squared away. As time passes and he adds to his resume, his price tag is only going to get larger. Public perception also plays a role in things sometimes, and if Pro Football Focus is right in its assessment, Tyler may be staring at a jackpot payday.
PFF stacked the NFL's top 32 centers, and Tyler ranked second, behind only Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs. Mason Cameron, the writer of this one, offered his explanation.
"After three seasons of excellent production at the heart of Baltimore's protection scheme, Linderbaum has proven to be one of the NFL's premier run blockers. The Ravens center is particularly adept as a zone blocker, where he has earned a 91.7 PFF run-blocking grade on zone concepts across his career, placing him in the 91st percentile at the position."
Postseason accolades and being viewed as the game's second-best center are some stellar weaponry to take to the negotiating table. Neil Cornrich of NC Sports is Linderbaum's agent, and he has to be licking his chops.
Eric DeCosta is one of the best in his field. There is no doubt that he'll get a deal done, but he may have a lot to think about in this case. Following Rashod Bateman's recent extension, several other Ravens need new deals of their own. Linderbaum is among that number, and now he has leverage and growing momentum. We'll see what happens during the coming months.
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