Cleveland Browns: 3 options at center in 2022 NFL Draft
By Joel W. Cade
With the Cleveland Browns release of J.C. Tretter, they opened a hole at center. Can they find a center in the 2022 NFL Draft?
The Cleveland Browns have a hole in the middle of their offensive line. Center has been an issue for the Browns for years. Since center Alex Mack left, the Browns have tried to draft multiple options before settling the position by acquiring J.C. Tretter in free agency. Tretter stabilized the position and contributed to the burgeoning winning culture. But that is all over now.
The quarterback-center relationship is one of the most important in the NFL. Yet, it is never talked about in the media. Players talk about it. Just ask any quarterback with the last name Manning about it. So, it’s imperative that the Browns settle on the future of the center position sooner than later.
If the future is center Nick Harris, great! If not, here are some options in the upcoming NFL draft for the Browns to consider.
Cleveland Browns center option No. 1: Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
If the Browns are looking to lock down center for the next 10 years, they need to draft Tyler Linderbaum out of Iowa. Linderbaum is the best center prospect in the draft. He’s probably the best offensive line prospect in the draft.
He plays at Iowa. This means he has had the best offensive line coaching at the college level. It shows. Linderbaum is absolutely pro-ready. Just draft him and plug him in.
He does everything the Browns need. He is ultra-athletic in zone blocking. He can reach a tackle lined up over the guard beside him. He has excellent balance. He effectively fights with his hands. He recognizes defensive line stunts and games.
If, for some act of God, Linderbaum falls in the draft like Jeremiah Owosu-Koramoah, the Browns need to pounce. Linderbaum should not make it out of the top 20. If he falls beyond that, he will never make it past the Cincinnati Bengals.
If the Browns want Linderbaum, they will have to give up some assets. For a team with bigger needs than center, this will not happen. But one can hope.