The second level of the Minnesota defense has been a strong aspect of the Golden Gophers’ performance this year, and LB Cody Lindenberg has been a massive part of it. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report and film analysis on him.
Overview, Film Analysis, And Early 2025 Scouting Report Of Minnesota LB Cody Lindenberg
Measurables:
- 6’3”
- 240 lbs
Player Background:
Lindenberg made the decision to stay in-state after graduating from Anoka HS in 2020, committing to Minnesota. He was rated as a three-star recruit by all recruiting sites and among the top 50 outside linebackers in the country. He saw some early action in his freshman year, racking up 10 tackles in six games. His 2021 campaign was a setback, missing the entire season after just three games.
He returned to be a regular contributor in 2022, making 71 tackles, four tackles-for-loss and a sack in all 13 games. Lindenberg’s 2023 season was the opposite of his 2021 performance, missing the start of the season. He was out for nine total games and put together 31 tackles, 3.5 TFLs and a forced fumble. He finished off his collegiate career on a high note, playing in all of the team’s 2024 contests, making over 90 tackles and taking home All-Big 10 honors.
Accolades:
- Honorable Mention All-Big 10 (2022)
- First Team All-Big 10 (2024)
Strengths/Pros:
Lindenberg is an incredibly twitchy linebacker and his first step is extremely quick. He accelerates into pursuit and has the instincts and downhill burst to be successful as both a pass rusher and run stopper. His anticipation in coverage tells a similar story, seeing open passing lanes before QBs and covering them in an instant. His backfield vision is fantastic, reading through trickery well and crashing on the correct option with high intent.
He processes plays smoothly and early, matching routes and offensive schemes across the middle and shutting down plays. Lindenberg rotates between assignments well, using his IQ and understanding of the game to jump on routes fast. He’s a true high-effort player who launches himself into ball carriers and plays whistle to whistle. When he gets to the tackle point, he breaks down tactically and keeps himself connected and within his technique.
Weaknesses/Cons:
His burst and early attack help him expand his range, but his straight-line speed and hip fluidity leave much to be desired. Lindenberg will get beat both vertically and horizontally if tasked with one-on-one coverage against faster players and labors through his backward-working turns. He also drifts too far into the secondary when working in zone coverage. This leads to too much space being opened underneath and easy completions being allowed.
While not an uncommon occurrence, Lindenberg gets too jumpy downhill and will crash too early. He can get taken advantage of through fakes and longer-developing plays and overextends himself off the edge when rushing the passer. He’s too head-on into blocks and gets caught up in making contact rather than driving toward the ball. His head turns too late in coverage, causing flag potential and too little awareness and ability to break up passes.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Playing a position that has an easier transition to the NFL than most, Lindenberg should get playing time early and often. He might not become a true star LB because of movement issues and overaggressiveness, but he has all the tools to earn a Day 2 selection. He could become a key second-level defender for any team if he can be paired with a rangy and athletic backer across the middle.
Prospect Grade:
- Late 3rd Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. Penn State
- 2024 vs. North Carolina
- 2024 vs. Michigan
Main Photo Courtesy of Matt Krohn – Imagn Images
