Welcome to the team - LB Cody Lindenberg

Draft Projection
Priority free agent

Overview​

Assignment-oriented linebacker and patient tackle-collector from the second level. Lindenberg is long-legged with average play strength but posted explosive athletic-testing numbers last spring. He has trouble taking on blocks and coming out on top, so he might need to become more active at flowing downhill and tilting the odds in his favor. He recognizes blocking schemes and sees clearly into the backfield but allows separation when plays flow wide. He can handle basic zone drops but will be mismatched against route runners. The on-field tape is fairly average, but the traits scream special-teamer with backup potential.

Strengths​

  • Instinctive with a feel for misdirection.
  • Recognizes blocking schemes and fits run accordingly.
  • Scrapes square to the line with good tempo.
  • Knows when and how to play around the block.
  • Tackles with good “widen and wrap” inside the box.

Weaknesses​

  • Below-average knee bend and block take-on.
  • Doesn’t attack the line of scrimmage with much downhill flow.
  • Average burst to close and tackle moving targets.
  • Struggled to bring down North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton.
  • Long legs make it harder to break down and change direction in space.
 
STRENGTHS:
● Good-sized athlete who runs and rallies to the football
● Rangy for his size and covers a lot of ground when chasing in open field
● Reads run game well and shufes to mirror, scrape and close
● Uses his arm length to battle with blockers
● Reaches his landmarks with ease in zone coverage
● Brings some thunder as an A-gap blitzer
● Green-dot player for the Gophers, communicating calls and checks with the rest of the defense
● Productive when on the field

WEAKNESSES:
● Upright player — needs to attack blockers with better angling and bend
● Disappointing pop at contact and can be washed at second level
● Fast-flow play style can be disrupted by play fakes
● Late to settle his feet and adjust to elusive ball carriers
● Flagged for late hit out of bounds on 2024 Iowa tape
● Inconsistent steps and pacing when manned up against backs and tight ends
● Sports hernia surgery (Dec. 2024); hamstring injury during fall camp (Aug. 2023) and later aggravated injury, missing nine games in all during 2023 season; surgery in 2021, which ended his season

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Minnesota, Lindenberg was the Mike linebacker in former defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman's scheme. A do-everything athlete in high school, he became a full-time linebacker for the Gophers and was productive when on the field (7.8 tackles per game over the past two seasons). With his frame and acceleration, Lindenberg has an interesting collection of traits, which helps him make an impact against both run and pass and as a blitzer.

Though he appears to process things well, he tends to be inconsistent sifting and playing through contact, which often leaves him stuck in traffic or late reacting in man coverage. Overall, Lindenberg has throwback size and rallies well to the football, but he doesn't consistently stay ahead of plays and ends up stuck — an issue that will lead to less production in the NFL than it did in college. He projects as a backup Will with special teams tools.

GRADE: 5th-6th round
 
Pete gets a hard on whenever he see a tall player dude is 6 ft 3 playing the Mike lol talk about pad level issues. Practically a player the height of a safety plugging the middle this is going to be a fun defense to watch we definitely have a team with the tallest defenders in the nfl. 6ft 3 safety, 6 ft 3 linebacker, 6 ft 2 corner lol and we drafted a 6 ft 4 wr.... Pete loves height Al loved speed
 
If that's the world you live in.


:D
 
Nice blurb by PFF on Lindenberg

7 (222): LB Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota

Lindenberg — Lindenberg is an excellent run defender, posting a 79.3 run-defense grade and recording 25 run stops, including seven in a big Week 11 game against Rutgers. While his 61.0 coverage grade isn’t eye-popping, he never allowed a touchdown into his coverage during his collegiate career.
 
Steelers Depot really likes Lindenberg—4th round grade
steelersdepot.com

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Minnesota LB Cody Lindenberg

From now until the 2025 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, down to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents...
steelersdepot.com steelersdepot.com
 
The back seven projects something like this:

Palo-Mao, Chinn, Bennett, Stokes/Porter, Roberts and some combination of six guys when in 4-3.

Slot/Nickel corner will be open. Dime is way open. Darnay Holmes was the most consistent coverage guy when the starter went down, but he's not much in run support -- willing but too small. I wonder if in serious nickel -- meaning a legit 3 WR use often and competent team, Bennett has the body and tackling skills to move inside.

Lindenburg is the new regime's Eichenberg. Coach all these guys up: Eichenberg and Lindenberg need to learn how to use their hands to shed blocks, play angles to make that easier. Gainer and Burney need to learn to become linebackers.

With Roberts and the two 'bergs, the makings of a heavy front are there that can still react to play action pass.
 
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