Saturday Blitz
Fansided

NFL Draft 2019: Falcons make shocking pick with Chris Lindstrom

By Connor Muldowney

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 13: Chris Lindstrom #75 of the Boston College Eagles leads the Boston College Eagles out of the tunnel before the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 13: Chris Lindstrom #75 of the Boston College Eagles leads the Boston College Eagles out of the tunnel before the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Everyone though the Falcons would go defense, but they picked Boston College lineman Chris Lindstrom at No. 14 overall in the NFL Draft.

The Falcons have a ton of needs, but everyone assumed they would be going with defense at No. 14 in the 2019 NFL Draft but they surprised everyone with the selection of Boston College offensive guard Chris Lindstrom.

Though the offensive line is always a priority in the early rounds for most teams, the Falcons probably needed to go with defense first. But Lindstrom it is as an interior lineman and he drew rave reviews during the draft process and rose up the ranks.

Was he worthy of the No. 14 overall pick? Probably not, but the Falcons felt they needed to address a need and not worry about best available.

Lindstrom will help an offensive line that had a poor 2018 season, ranking 31st in run stuffs for no gain or losses and surrendered 108 quarterback hits. You can bet this pick was music to Matt Ryan’s ears as he tries to prolong his career and not take so many devastating hits under center.

Still, there was other pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball and Ed Oliver and Christian Wilkins were options, but went before the Falcons selected at No. 14.

This wasn’t a popular pick among Falcons fans, as you can imagine, because it didn’t have as much luster as an elite defensive lineman or a player like Calvin Ridley last year.

Next. NFL Draft: Complete 7-Round Mock Draft. dark

Overall, this was a need for the Falcons and even if it wasn’t a sexy pick, it’ll get the job done.

Grade: B-

Home/NFL Draft