Iowa C Tyler Linderbaum not participating in 2022 NFL Combine drills
Mar 3, 2022, 9:40 AM | Updated: 9:40 am
One of the top prospects being mocked to the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum, has opted against participating in NFL Combine drills.
The center told reporters Thursday that while he is feeling good, he’s not there health-wise due to a mid-foot sprain suffered in Iowa’s bowl game.
Linderbaum is, however, hoping to participate in drills at his school’s pro day on March 21.
The top-ranked center in the draft class added that he has had formal interviews with 10 teams, including the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and Green Bay Packers. Linderbaum is also planning to meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday.
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“I’ve met with both the Giants and the Jets. It went well,” Linderbaum said. “I’ll play anywhere. If it ends up being New York, I’m going to go to my team and I’m going to work my butt off and try to make an impact on that team.”
The 6-foot-3, 290-pound 2021 Rimington Trophy (best center) winner has been the most linked to the Cardinals’ No. 23 overall pick more than any other player in mock drafts collected by ArizonaSports.com.
With quarterback Kyler Murray looking for a long-term deal and the Cardinals’ depth along the trenches, adding to the offensive line should be among the team’s top priorities.
If Linderbaum is in fact a Cardinal when the draft dust settles, he might be relegated to a backup role with Rodney Hudson firmly cemented as the team’s starting center through at least next season.
There are also other positions along the offensive line, namely right guard, to consider if you’re the Cardinals.
