Falcons' Chris Lindstrom: Top 10 NFL OL?

Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom received his first All-Pro nod a season ago, but where does that rank him among the NFL?

Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom is the team's biggest future investment. 

And while it may seem strange to have an offensive lineman be an NFL front offices most expensive player, Lindstrom's recent five-year, $105 million extension also makes him the highest-paid guard in NFL history. But following the 2022 campaign that Lindstrom had, it's easy to see why he's worth the amount of money. 

A first round pick in 2019, Lindstrom played in all 17 games and earned a 95 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which made him the highest-rated offensive lineman and first career All Pro nod. The 26-year-old also ranked first on the NFL's third-best rushing offense with a 93.1 run blocking grade. 

But where does the Boston College product rank throughout the entire league? According to ESPN, the fifth-year guard stands as the No. 7 overall interior offensive linemen. 

"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 told ESPN. "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."

With Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith expected to continue his zone-blocking scheme with the addition of first-round pick Bijan Robinson, Lindstrom should continue to thrive in his position this season. 

And if he continues adding to his early résumé, it should only be a matter of time before Lindstrom cracks the top-five. 

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Follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.

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