Chris Lindstrom will calm the fears of Atlanta Falcons fans

The Atlanta Falcons shocked everyone last Thursday night when they selected Boston College guard Chris Lindstrom with the 14th overall pick. That shock will soon turn to awe when Lindstrom gets settled in his new home among the Brotherhood.

Lindstrom was brought in by the Atlanta Falcons for one reason and one reason only – to protect Matt Ryan and Matty Ice was clearly appreciative of the pick as he texted Thomas Dimitroff to thank him for finally drafting a highly regarded offensive lineman in the first round.

What does the future look like with Chris Lindstrom? In one word: bright.

There have already been more than a dozen nonsensical articles written about how the Falcons jumped the gun and taking the wrong guard in the draft. Fans preferred Cody Ford out of Oklahoma while others thought they should have gone with Garrett Bradbury out of NC State because of his versatility to play center and guard.

The Falcons got this one right.

Lindstrom brings in a trait that we have not had much of lately in regards to offensive lineman – he is f****** mean. Facing guys like Vita Vea and Cam Jordan several times a year means we need guys that mean and violent up front and the Falcons absolutely found their man.

What will Chris Lindstrom’s future hold?

This is the million-dollar question. However, I truly believe that Lindstrom is a future all-Pro selection for the Falcons. Will he be an immediate all-Pro like Colts guard Quenton Nelson? No, but Nelson is a once a decade type player and that was known last year. Comparing Lindstrom to Nelson is one of the most ridiculous aspects to come out of this year’s draft. I get it, the first guard taken in 2018 and 2019, but that is low hanging fruit and just a way to write click-bait material quickly.

Fact is Lindstrom is wildly talented and is going to make an instant impact here in Atlanta. He will elevate the play of those around him, including all-Pro center Alex Mack. When Mack is at his best, he is able to make the blocking calls as the anchor of the offensive line and do his job. The problem the last couple of years, is Mack has had to do his job and the guard’s jobs. That will not be the case anymore. With this pick, we will see Mack return to the guy he was in 2016.

How confident are the Falcons that Lindstrom will seize the opportunity at guard? On Monday, the team released guard Brandon Fusco who had started the last 87 games he appeared in.

While Thomas Dimitroff has a terrible record drafting offensive lineman with rare exception, like Jake Matthews and Joe Hawley, Lindstrom will go down as the exception and hopefully the start of something new.