7 interior offensive linemen the Panthers could select in the 2022 NFL Draft
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers could select Tyler Linderbaum (Iowa)Â
Measurables
- Height: 6-foot-3 |Â Weight: 290 pounds
– 2021 PFF grade – 95.4
The consensus top center in the 2022 draft and it’s clear to see why. After the 2020 season, Tyler Linderbaum was already the highest-graded player at the position in the country according to Pro Football Focus but took his play to a new level last time around.
Most projections have the Rimmington Trophy winner being selected late in the first round or even sliding out of Day 1 altogether. If the Carolina Panthers do decide to trade back and manage to recoup an early second-round selection, drafting the former Iowa Hawkeye could be a steal.
If the Panthers opted to move forward with sophomore Brady Christensen as the blindside protector, this could mean the aforementioned Bradley Bozeman slotted in at guard. It also gives Carolina a chance to draft a high-level center and lock the position up for a decade.
Linderbaum is a little on the light side at under 300 pounds. But one look at his tape dispels any notion that the player will struggle at the next level.
He is rarely overwhelmed at the point of attack. And with a background in wrestling, Linderbaum is a dominant force.
Linderbaum’s real strength is in the run game. His athleticism is clear to see, he explodes out the stance with fluidity and quickness and is keen to get to the second level.
Another important thing for Panthers fans is the prospect plays with an element of toughness. He looks to finish his opponent on every play leading to some impressive pancake blocks, many times in the 2021 season we saw the starting unit not playing tough – something Linderbaum could come in and change.
The Panthers have not had a solid option at center since All-Pro Ryan Kalil departed in 2018. But a lot depends on what Carolina does with the No. 6 overall selection.