Following the recent departure of esteemed center Jason Kelce to retirement, the debate over who now holds the mantle as the NFL’s premier center is in full swing.
Stepping confidently into this conversation is none other than the Baltimore Ravens’ sophomore center, Tyler Linderbaum. Despite only boasting two years of professional football under his belt, Linderbaum’s remarkable performance has quickly catapulted him into contention for the top spot.
Linderbaum’s unexpected fall to the 25th overall pick in the NFL Draft initially raised eyebrows, signaling significant expectations right from the start of his career. Living up to and surpassing these, Linderbaum secured a Pro Bowl selection early in his career and was in the conversation for an All-Pro nod, underscoring his rapid ascent. His critical role in Lamar Jackson’s campaign towards a second MVP title further cements his standing within the team and the league at large.
Amidst a Ravens offensive line that has shown inconsistency, Linderbaum’s prowess shines brightly. He has distinguished himself as a beacon of reliability and excellence, earning a ranking as the third-best center league-wide by Pro Football Focus (PFF). Trailing just behind the Kansas City Chiefs’ Creed Humphrey and the Detroit Lions’ Frank Ragnow in these rankings, Linderbaum’s potential to lead the pack soon is palpable.
PFF’s acclaim of Linderbaum, spotlighting his 78.3 grade alongside commendable stats of minimal penalties and a clean record of zero sacks allowed, attests to his elite caliber. His swift rise to prominence is a testament to his skill, making the decision by over twenty teams to bypass him in the draft appear all the more misguided.
The Ravens, buoyed by top-tier talents including the second-ranked quarterback Lamar Jackson and other notable stars such as Derrick Henry, Roquan Smith, and Kyle Hamilton, have been a focal point for PFF’s evaluations. With Linderbaum and left tackle Ronnie Stanley as the linchpins of the offensive line, the upcoming season hinges significantly on their ability to lead and uplift the unit amidst challenges.
As the Ravens navigate their future, securing extensions for key players like Hamilton and Linderbaum will be crucial. Linderbaum, in particular, has not only demonstrated exceptional skill on the field but has positioned himself as a potential market value setter for the center position. As the post-Kelce era unfolds, Tyler Linderbaum stands out as a compelling candidate for the title of the NFL’s best center, marking a new chapter in the league’s ongoing tale of grit, talent, and determination.
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