With the No. 14 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected guard Chris Lindstrom from Boston College on Thursday night. With the addition Lindstrom, the Falcons have completely revamped their guard positions.
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WHY HE FITS
Falcons owner Arthur Blank, head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff have all stated the importance of continuing to bolster Atlanta's offensive line. With the addition of Lindstrom, the Falcons have solidified both guard positions with starters and depth players. Lindstrom has the versatility and athleticism the Falcons want in their offensive linemen. He's played guard and tackle, giving Atlanta options of where they could use him.
SCOUTING REPORT
Lindstrom is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in this year's draft class. His biggest strengths are his lateral quickness and the motor he plays with. Lindstrom has starting experience at both guard and tackle, but his home will likely be at guard in the NFL. Lindstrom impressed many with his sub-5.0 second 40-yard dash time at the combine given his 6-foot-4, 308-pound frame.
DRAFT GRADES
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com
- Grade: B
- Comment: "I like the pick. When Matt Ryan is not protected from the interior, he has real problems. They got a guy that's going to be a fixture on the interior there for a long time. I think Lindstrom is a feisty guy. Good solid pick by the Falcons."
Mike Tanier, Bleacher Report
- Grade: C-
- Comment: "Lindstrom is an athletic guard who excels on the move. He has the quickness to be an effective pass protector, and he competes past the whistle. He has some leverage and technique issues, including a tendency to lean too far forward, but they can be smoothed out. The Falcons are getting someone who will compete with newcomers Jamon Brown and James Carpenter to immediately start and replace last year's revolving door at guard. That said, Lindstrom is far from the best player on the board, or even the best interior line prospect (hello, Cody Ford). This is a reach from a team with other needs, particularly on defense."
NFL COMPARISON
Joel Bitonio: NFL.com's Lance Zierlein compares Lindstrom to Joel Bitonio of the Cleveland Browns. Bitonio is 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds and has been a consistent starter at left guard for six years.
