The Dallas Cowboys had a disappointing end to their 2021 season, as they were defeated by the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs. Dallas followed that effort up with a bit of a quiet free agency period. As such, the Cowboys will have to look to the 2022 NFL Draft to make the improvements needed.
Dallas has needs on the offensive line and in the pass rush, though owner Jerry Jones made it clear a few weeks ago that he would love to have a “young offensive lineman” that could “immediately come in and play.” There are a few prospects like that in the draft, but one stands out as a particularly good fit for Dallas: Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum.
In fact, Linderbaum is the perfect fit for the Cowboys in the 2022 NFL Draft. Here's why.
3 Reasons Tyler Linderbaum Is Perfect NFL Draft Fit For Cowboys
3. The Cowboys need a capable starter at the center spot
Ever since longtime center and All-Pro Travis Frederick suddenly retired during the 2020 offseason, the Cowboys have struggled to find their next center. Former fourth-round pick Tyler Biadasz was thought to be the next talented center for Dallas, but it hasn't quite worked out that way, as the 24-year-old was one of the lower-graded centers in the league this past season. The Cowboys are at their best when they have a strong offensive line. They can't afford to wait around for Biadasz to develop when a day-one starter will be on their NFL Draft boards in Linderbaum.
2. Linderbaum has elite potential
Tyler Linderbaum, who spent three seasons as a starter at Iowa, began his college career as a tackle but quickly found his niche at the center spot. Linderbaum, who somehow ran a 4.90 40-yard dash, is an athlete on the offensive line and one who is adept at both pass and run blocking. The Iowa product has drawn comparisons to Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Jason Kelce. Linderbaum is exactly the kind of young offensive lineman that Jones is seeking- the kind who can step in as a day-one starter, That's Linderbaum.
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1. Linderbaum is a perfect NFL Draft fit for the Cowboys' offense
The Cowboys have deployed a run-heavy offense in past years, shifting more towards the pass recently. However, the Cowboys, who ranked ninth in rushing yards per game in 2021, still emphasize the ground game very much, with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard leading the way. Linderbaum, who secured an unimaginable 96.6 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, would instantly help make the Cowboys' running game even better. Dallas fans are likely salivating at the thought of All-Pro guard Zack Martin and Linderbaum paving running lanes for Elliott and Pollard.
