The Falcons didn’t have a strong 2019 draft class according to a lot of people and metrics. While it’s true they could have gotten better value with some of their picks, the success of this class will be mostly determined by how much the offensive line has improved.
Atlanta used its first two draft picks on offensive linemen, taking right guard Chris Lindstrom at No. 14 and trading up for right tackle Kaleb McGary at No. 31 overall. If they both represent significant upgrades over Brandon Fusco and Ryan Schraeder at those spots, then the Falcons offense will be pretty close to complete this season.
For what it’s worth, USA TODAY believes that Atlanta got better in the draft. In a new batch of post 2019 NFL draft power rankings, Nate Davis put the Falcons at No. 10, up two spots from the last time.
“With healthy defense, familiar play-caller (Dirk Koetter) and five first-rounders blocking in front of QB Matt Ryan, they’re lying in weeds.”
The five first-rounders assumes the offensive line starters will be Jake Matthews, James Carpenter, Alex Mack, Lindstrom and McGary.
There’s a chance that Jamon Brown will win the left guard competition, but if that is indeed the lineup it will be the first time in the common draft era that a team has started five first-round picks for an offensive line.
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