NFL executives say Chris Lindstrom is ‘not elite’ in recent rankings

If you ask most Atlanta Falcons fans their top three players on the team, it’s almost impossible not to hear guard Chris Lindstrom’s name on virtually every list. Lindstrom was one of the Falcons’ more consistent cogs during the Arthur Smith regime and a major reason Atlanta’s offensive line is so coveted. That stability earned Lindstrom the second-best spot on ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler’s list of the top 10 interior linemen behind guard Zack Martin of the Dallas Cowboys. However, some NFL executives have not been impressed with the stability Lindstrom brings to the Falcons’ offensive line. One of them even went so far as to say Lindstrom is “not elite.”

“He was paid well because the team had to take care of him – there’s no real downside here, but in my opinion he’s just not elite.”

Lindstrom’s status varied as much as possible in the rankings. Some ranked him as the best interior lineman in the NFL, others felt he didn’t deserve to be in the top 10. However, 44% of decision-makers ranked him first or second, catapulting him high enough to compete for the top spot. One AFC executive even said they’ve had him “at number one for years.”

Falcons fans certainly agree. When Lindstrom recalibrated the guard market and signed a five-year, $102.5 million contract, not a single Falcons fan batted an eyelid. One defensive coach even admitted that Lindstrom “is a little better as a run blocker than he is on the field. I’d probably put him up against anyone there. And as a pass blocker, he’s improved enough to be solid there.”

In this new offense under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, Lindstrom has another chance to exceed expectations and lead a true Atlanta offense alongside tackle Kaleb McGary and center Drew Dalman, who also received votes in the rankings.

Atlanta can be a special offense in 2024 that starts at the front of the offensive line. And the offensive line starts and goes with the leadership of Lindstrom.

Chris Lindstrom always carries a blade with him in case he needs to cut someone 🗡️ pic.twitter.com/eOdO4p2Ixh

— Locked On Falcons (@lockedonfalcons) December 5, 2023