The Atlanta Falcons took a big swing at rebuilding their offensive line back in 2019, selecting two linemen in the first round of the draft and signing both Jamon Brown and James Carpenter to lucrative contracts.
Former Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn had a vision to replenish the run game and establish a more balanced offensive attack, but it never came together. Atlanta brought in Arthur Smith to run a more innovative, efficient system that can control the ball. One player Smith will look to help reestablish the ground game is right guard Chris Lindstrom.
Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson noted Lindstrom’s progress last season in his offensive guard rankings. The former Boston College standout came in at No. 12 overall at his position.
“A former first-round pick, Lindstrom was notably better in Year 2 than he was as a rookie, and another jump this year could see him become one of the very best in the game. Both his run- and pass-blocking grades took a jump in his sophomore year, topping 70.0 for the first time. His pass-blocking efficiency was better, too, as his 97.6 mark was up from the 96.4 he put up as a rookie.”
Quenton Nelson of the Indianapolis Colts was PFF’s top-rated guard, followed by Zack Martin of the Dallas Cowboys, Joe Thuney of the Kansas City Chiefs, Joel Bitonio of the Cleveland Browns and Washington’s Brandon Scherff.
