Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSunday, June 28, 2026
SBNation.com homepageSB NationSB Nation logo

Brian Linthicum 2012 NFL Draft quick report

by Dan Kadar
October 15, 2011; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans tight end Brian Linthicum (88) makes catch against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Michigan State won 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE
October 15, 2011; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans tight end Brian Linthicum (88) makes catch against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Michigan State won 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE
October 15, 2011; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans tight end Brian Linthicum (88) makes catch against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Michigan State won 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE

This year I wrote the player rankings and evaluations for the USA Today 2012 NFL Draft magazine. It’s on newsstands now and available online here. Leading up to the draft, I’ll be reprinting some of my quick reports here.

Brian Linthicum, Michigan State
Height: 6’4, Weight: 249 pounds

Strengths: Does the little things (head fakes, shoulder leans) to get open on a route. Gets good body position to make the catch. Good at making a play on the ball.

Weaknesses: Not a great athlete and is a little stiff in his movement. Had surgery for a dislocated kneecap in 2009 and health issues may scare some teams off. Sat out 2008 after transferring from Clemson. Didn’t become a starter until his senior season.

See More:

More in Mocking the Draft

Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Eagles stick with what works; invest in the trenchesSB Nation NFL mock draft: Eagles stick with what works; invest in the trenches
Mocking the Draft

This player should be a plug-and-play replacement for Mekhi Becton right off the bat.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Chiefs get an absolute steal of a WR at No. 31SB Nation NFL mock draft: Chiefs get an absolute steal of a WR at No. 31
Mocking the Draft

This guy’s got talent, plus playing with Patrick Mahomes automatically elevates his potential.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Bills fill biggest need with a top CB at No. 30SB Nation NFL mock draft: Bills fill biggest need with a top CB at No. 30
Mocking the Draft

He’s a bit of a liability in the run game, but his potential in the pass game was enough for Buffalo Rumblings.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Commanders give Jayden Daniels a fluid playmaker at WR with No. 29 pickSB Nation NFL mock draft: Commanders give Jayden Daniels a fluid playmaker at WR with No. 29 pick
Mocking the Draft

This pick could help the Commanders build on last year’s excellent season.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Lions bring in a pass-rushing partner in crime for Aidan HutchinsonSB Nation NFL mock draft: Lions bring in a pass-rushing partner in crime for Aidan Hutchinson
Mocking the Draft

It’s a high-potential pick for a Detroit defense that needs a solid pass rusher.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Rams keep building defensive identity at No. 26SB Nation NFL mock draft: Rams keep building defensive identity at No. 26
Mocking the Draft

This rookie would be a great complement to Jared Verse and Byron Young.

By Michael Peterson

The Latest