​A new poll released this offseason has brought renewed respect for the Atlanta Falcons’ interior offensive line, with NFL coaches and executives ranking the top 10 interior linemen in the league. Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom landed at No. 6 on that list, narrowly trailing Tyler Smith of the Dallas Cowboys, Quenton Nelson of the Indianapolis Colts, Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs, Quin Meinerz of the Denver Broncos, and Joe Thuney of the Chicago Bears. One voter, an NFL coordinator, highlighted Lindstrom’s unique profile: “Athleticism and explosiveness — his size makes him somewhat of a specific scheme fit, but there really isn’t anyone who does a lot of the things that he can do. They never ask him to pull, but he would open some eyes if he did.”
Despite Atlanta’s struggles during Lindstrom’s tenure with the organization, the former 2019 first-round pick has emerged as one of the most dependable players on the Falcons’ roster, particularly on the offensive line. Over the last four seasons, Lindstrom has stood out among interior linemen league-wide, and some pundits argue that a ranking of sixth might undersell his impact and consistency. His performance has positioned him as one of the NFL’s premier inside linemen, with multiple Pro Bowl appearances and a steady presence that anchors Atlanta’s idiosyncratic rushing philosophy.
In recent seasons, Lindstrom has been a cornerstone for the Falcons’ offense, helping lead a line that has facilitated strong rushing production. In 2024 and 2025, he played a crucial role in supporting star running back Bijan Robinson, helping Robinson approach 1,500 rushing yards across those campaigns. Lindstrom’s stability has also contributed to Robinson earning consecutive Pro Bowl selections and a fourth-place finish in Offensive Player of the Year voting this past season. A veteran NFL defensive coach summed up the sentiment around Lindstrom by saying, “He doesn’t get enough recognition; he’s been really good for a long time.”
Looking ahead to 2026, the Falcons appear poised to benefit from having a reliably productive interior blocker in Lindstrom as they pursue a resurgence under new leadership. With Kevin Stefanski now guiding the team and prioritizing a run-heavy approach, Lindstrom’s strengths could translate into renewed effectiveness up front, enabling the Falcons to lean on a ground game while continuing to build around their skilled pass-catching weapons and a evolving quarterback situation.
The Falcons’ interior line will also be tested against a top-tier league landscape. In addition to Lindstrom’s continued excellence, the rest of the top ten interior linemen on the poll includes Trey Smith of the Chiefs, Tyler Linderbaum of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Aaron Brewer of the Miami Dolphins, rounding out a diverse group of players who shape NFL line play. Lindstrom’s place in the rankings underscores not only his personal durability and versatility but also the Falcons’ ongoing efforts to fortify the trenches as they pursue a more competitive era in the NFC. As Atlanta positions itself for a stronger 2026 campaign, the emphasis on interior line play—anchored by Lindstrom—will remain a critical factor in the team’s overall performance and its ability to establish a consistent, balanced attack.