Winning the Rimington Trophy as college football’s top center, Tyler Linderbaum from Iowa was selected 25th overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Linderbaum arrived in Baltimore with high expectations and immediately fulfilled them. Stepping directly into the starting lineup as a rookie, he quickly established himself as the anchor of the Ravens' offensive line, providing elite protection and run-blocking leverage for Baltimore’s explosive offense.

Linderbaum, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 305 pounds, beautifully challenges traditional size concerns with his incredible athleticism, leverage, and core strength. With a background in elite high school wrestling, he skillfully uses quick hand movements and remarkable flexibility to sink his hips, hold his ground against heavy 330-pound nose tackles, and maintain control during interior plays. What truly sets him apart is his impressive open-field agility—he bursts out of his stance with energy, expertly pulling around the edge or climbing to the second level to block linebackers and create downfield opportunities.

Linderbaum made a fantastic impact during his first year in 2022, earning All-Rookie honors by starting every game and demonstrating himself as one of the best run-blocking centers in the league. He continued to shine in 2023, earning his first Pro Bowl selection while leading an offensive line that topped the NFL in rushing yards and secured the AFC’s top seed.

His steady growth kept going into 2024 and 2025, with Linderbaum impressively earning his third straight Pro Bowl and finally adding All-Pro honors. Over his first four seasons, he really became a master at reading the line of scrimmage, quickly adjusting to blitzes and helping ensure smooth plays in both running and passing games.

After proving himself as one of the best centers in the game, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent where he became the highest paid at his position.  Linderbaum played in 66 games for the Ravens, starting all of them, and while his stay in Maryland was brief, it was potent.