On-field production

Lindenberg earned the opportunity to be a leader and driving force of Minnesota's defense, serving as a team captain and green dot linebacker.

In his five collegiate seasons, he totaled 117 solo tackles, 13 tackles for loss and eight pass deflections. He led the team in total tackles his senior season, en route to two First-Team All-Big Ten selections and an invitation to the Reese's Senior Bowl. He's drafted to a Raiders team that lost their two starting linebackers in free agency this previous offseason.

"I think he's a great fit," Raiders director of college scouting Brandon Yeargan said. "He was a green-dot guy for Minnesota. He's played a lot of football for them. He's a high, high-character, high-intangible guy. He's tough, he's competitive. I think he's got really good value in the kicking game too, so I think he's going to be a good addition to that room."

While Linderberg attended the NFL Combine, he didn't participate in any drills as he was still recovering from sports hernia surgery. He recovered in enough time to do drills at his pro day, with him showcasing a 36.5-inch vertical jump and 20 reps on bench press.

Learning from Luke

"Athletic and intelligent. I think I can do everything on the football field that linebackers are required to do and more."

That's how Lindenberg described his play style following his selection in the seventh round.

"For me, it all starts in the film room because if I don't know my job and I don't know the job of those around me, I can't do my job, and I can't do it at a high enough level to perform at the way that you need to in the National Football League," he said. "It all starts with that, knowing my keys, your key-in diagnosed, taking the first step in the right direction before anybody else does on the football field. Then once I get in that right spot, I'll be able to make the play with my hard work and God given abilities."

It's no surprise then that Lindenberg is a fan of former NFL linebacker Luke Kuechly.

"I grew up watching him and wanted to play my game or shape my game like him," Lindenberg told the Pioneer Press in November.

Even better than watching him, Lindenberg got the chance to pick Kuechly's brain last summer on a Zoom and phone call.

Coincidence or not, he had his best college season following his interactions with Kuechly and is now hoping to continue that momentum as he joins the Raiders.

"The process has been amazing," Lindenberg said after being drafted. "It's something that you dream of as a kid, and it doesn't really hit, doesn't really feel as real as it does until that moment really happens. ... And for it to actually become a reality is something that is very, very hard to put into words. But I am more than grateful for the opportunity that Coach [Pete] Carroll and the rest of the staff of the Las Vegas Raiders have given me. I'm just excited to get myself down there and then put my best foot forward each and every single day and each opportunity that I'm given."