Ravens' Starter Surprises with Top-10 NFL Ranking in Key Metric

Tyler Linderbaum's Rise to the Top of the NFL Center Rankings

Tyler Linderbaum, the Baltimore Ravens' first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is making a name for himself as one of the league’s most dominant interior offensive linemen. Despite some limitations in pass protection, Linderbaum has managed to sneak into the top 10 at his position, with some experts calling him “maybe the best center in the NFL” in the run game.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, an unnamed veteran NFL defensive coach praised Linderbaum for his performance in the run game, stating that he can do “anything you want in the run game.” The coach also noted that while Linderbaum might be limited in pass pro, his physicality and strength make him a standout in the run game.

Fowler challenged the notion that Linderbaum struggles in pass protection by highlighting his impressive 96.5 pass block win rate. However, some evaluators point to his shorter arms (31⅛ inches) as a potential weakness in one-on-one matchups. This could explain why Linderbaum had to compete with Carolina guard Robert Hunt to secure a spot in the top 10, indicating that there are still lingering doubts about his abilities.

Proving Doubters Wrong

Despite these concerns, Linderbaum has shown his value on the field. A center with a 90-plus percent win rate against pass-rushers being considered weak in that area is judged by different, tougher standards. Linderbaum can point to the development of two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson as evidence of his effectiveness in protecting the pocket.

A senior NFL scout told Fowler that Linderbaum ticks all the boxes for “initial quickness, angles, every intangible, [and] takes mental pressure off [Lamar Jackson].” Linderbaum’s performance during Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs was particularly impressive, as he surrendered just a single pressure, according to PFF BAL Ravens.

For the season, PFF credited Linderbaum with not allowing one sack, yielding just 16 pressures, and giving up a mere three quarterback hits. While the debate over his pass-blocking skills continues, it’s clear that his true value lies in what he does on the ground.

Securing Linderbaum’s Future

The Ravens cannot afford to let Linderbaum leave after the final year of his rookie deal. Few centers in the league are as integral to a team’s identity on offense as Linderbaum has become. For the Ravens, identity still means beating up defenses in the running game, a task Linderbaum is uniquely qualified to perform.

Linderbaum’s raw power and ability to dominate his blocks have been on full display, such as when he engulfed Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Michael Hall to help spring Derrick Henry for a 25-yard run. His ability to use straight-ahead brute force makes him an ideal lead blocker for Henry, who still loves to make gains between the tackles.

What makes Linderbaum so important is the flexibility he brings to offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s playbook. Monken can call outside sweeps, like the one run by Keaton Mitchell in 2023, which relies on a center athletic enough to pull into space and quickly get to the second level with violent intent.

Why the Ravens Must Act Now

A play like this shows the Ravens why they must find the money needed to keep Linderbaum around beyond the final year of his rookie deal. General manager Eric DeCosta cannot risk waiting for a change in the rules to make it happen. The time to act is now, before Linderbaum’s value increases further.

Linderbaum’s contributions to the Ravens’ offense have been undeniable, and his impact on both the run and pass games has made him a vital piece of the team’s success. With his unique skill set and growing reputation, the Ravens must ensure that he remains a part of their future.