2019 NFL Draft: Grades for every first-round pick

14. Atlanta Falcons: Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College

Grade: B-

The Atlanta Falcons were expected to address the defensive line with their first-round pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. However, nobody really fell for them and they instead go to the other side of the ball and snag Boston College offensive guard Chris Lindstrom.

Lindstrom was a late riser in the draft process who undoubtedly fits the modern game extremely well. Lindstrom is impressive in space, showing fantastic quickness and overall mobility up front. He blocks well in space and is great at taking care of the second level. He also shows a solid initial punch and overall hand usage.

Putting Lindstrom in an outside zone system is the best way to get the most out of him and that is exactly what the Falcons are doing here. However, I question whether he has the functional strength to have success at the next level.

Simply put, Lindstrom is unimpressive at the point of attack. He rarely creates any forward movement and struggles to consistently anchor in pass protection. He is going to have some success as a blocker in space at the next level, but the defenders are only getting bigger and stronger at the next level. His inconsistent pad level and lack of upper body strength could be a real issue. A bit of a boom or bust pick for the Falcons at 14.