Rome wasn’t built in a day and the same concept applies to the Falcons’ new-look offensive line. Despite the team using most of their draft capital and free agent resources to rebuild up front, it could take a minute before it pays off for Atlanta.
The team added first-rounders Kaleb McGary and Chris Lindstrom in the draft after signing Jamon Brown and James Carpenter in free agency. So, while this Falcons offensive line group certainly has a higher ceiling than in recent years, they will need time to gel and build chemistry together.
For what it’s worth, the analysts over at Pro Football Focus don’t have much faith in the unit going into this season. In their 2019 offensive line rankings, they have the Falcons at No. 22.
“So far, first-rounders Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary both look like…rookies. McGary has only earned a 64.3 overall grade on 41 snaps after heart surgery while Lindstrom earned a rough 53.0 overall grade on 96 snaps.”
It’s a fair assessment, considering the team will have three new starters — two of which have no NFL experience. One thing they do have going for them, however, is All-Pro center Alex Mack leading the way.
The line will face a significant challenge when they take on a nasty Vikings defense in Week 1.
