Chris Lindstrom ranked among top 10 interior OL by NFL coaches, scouts
The Atlanta Falcons will enter the 2025 NFL season with numerous question marks, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. On the flip side, the team will return 10 of 11 offensive starters. The only player missing is center Drew Dalman, who signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency.
Dalman is a big loss, but the Falcons still have four quality starters along their offensive line -- three of whom are former first-round picks. Right guard Chris Lindstrom has established himself as one of the league's elite interior linemen. Last season, Lindstrom made his third consecutive Pro Bowl and was voted second-team All-Pro.
The former Boston College standout was ranked among the NFL's top 10 interior offensive linemen in a new ESPN poll of executives, coaches and scouts. After being ranked second on the list in 2024, Lindstrom fell to No. 7 in ESPN's latest poll.
Lindstrom ranked No. 7 interior offensive lineman in ESPN poll:
Lindstrom falling five spots is a bit curious, because most evaluators say his play hasn't dipped dramatically. He's an elite zone run blocker who isn't as skilled as a pass blocker but has shown signs of slight improvement. His 92.4 pass block win rate is respectable.
"I think he'll be even better with Michael Penix Jr., because the boot game will pick up with his athleticism and that will help [Lindstrom] in the passing game," an NFL coordinator said. "He's never going to be great in pass pro but he's all-world in the run." Lindstrom has made three consecutive Pro Bowls and helped guide Atlanta to a No. 10 ranking in rushing offense. -- Jeremy Folwer, ESPN
Lindstrom was the only Falcons offensive lineman to make ESPN's poll, however, Jake Matthews received some votes in the offensive tackle rankings. Matthews was not voted top 10, but he was featured in the honorable mention category.
"He has improved in anchoring with power against the better rushers. He has always been good in the run game, but you used to be able to walk him back to the QB. He is much harder to do that against now." an NFL coordinator told Fowler.
While the Falcons have two quality guards -- Lindstrom and Matt Hennessy -- and two solid offensive tackles -- Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary -- the loss of Dalman is fairly significant. The former fourth-round pick had developed into a top-10 center over his four seasons in Atlanta.
To replace Dalman, the team re-signed veteran Ryan Neuzil to a two-year, $9.5 million contract. While Neuzil doesn't have much starting experience, he played well during the eight games Dalman was injured last season.
- READ: Falcons 53-man roster projection: Pre-training camp edition
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