The Falcons got a lot of flak for picking Boston College guard Chris Lindstrom at No. 14 overall in this year’s draft. While Lindstrom is generally considered to be the top guard in his class, the pick was considered a reach by many analysts.
Atlanta’s decision makers probably know they could have gotten better value with their first-round pick. However, the Falcons have made it abundantly clear that their first and second priorities this offseason are improving an offensive line that allowed 42 sacks on Matt Ryan last season. This stat from Pro Football Focus should make them feel better about the pick.
PFF says Lindstrom allowed pressures on just 1.1 percent of his pass-blocking snaps in 2018. That ranked fourth among draft-eligible guards.
Lindstrom is projected to be Atlanta’s new starting right guard. As long as he’s able to hold up in pass protection much better than their 2018 platoon at that position, then the pick may be justified in the long run.
