Chris Lindstrom lands at No. 7 on ESPN’s interior OL rankings

As a result of Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot‘s careful salary cap management over his first two years in Atlanta, the team was able to re-sign key players and add some big names in free agency during the 2023 offseason.

Right guard Chris Lindstrom signed a five-year extension worth over $100 million, while right tackle Kaleb McGary returned on a three-year, $34.5 million contract.

The Falcons still had enough cap space left to sign numerous free agents, including Jessie Bates III and Kaden Elliss. Bates was easily the team’s biggest free-agent addition, but Lindstrom represents the team’s biggest overall investment.

On Sunday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler released his latest batch of position rankings, as voted on by NFL executives, coaches and scouts. Lindstrom came in at No. 7 on ESPN’s interior linemen rankings:

Lindstrom’s breakout year in Atlanta ended with a Pro Bowl appearance, a second-team All-Pro nod and a five-year, $105 million extension with Atlanta, making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history.

“Really good player, technician — the only thing holding him back from the top, top tier is he’s a bit dependent on the [zone blocking] scheme he’s in,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “I don’t know if he would be as good if he was in another scheme.” Lindstrom committed two penalties and allowed five sacks in 2022. — Jeremy Fowler, ESPN

Lindstrom has undoubtedly flourished while playing in Atlanta’s zone-blocking scheme, but that’s the style of offense that head coach Arthur Smith wants to run. Lindstrom’s scheme versatility isn’t really an issue when he’s plenty good at doing what the team is asking of him.

Tight end Kyle Pitts and safety Jessie Bates were the other Falcons players to make ESPN’s top 10 position rankings thus far. Bates was the sixth-ranked safety, while Pitts ranked seventh among tight ends.

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