Falcons first-round pick Kaleb McGary, who said his goal on Day 1 of rookie camp was not to look like an "idiot" appears to bring a lot of personality to the ballclub while playing right tackle. It was hard to get a real feel for McGary's ability just yet, but it will be interesting to see him perform vs. Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley when the rookies join the veterans. McGary's goal as an offensive lineman is to "throw people on the ground."
Falcons first-round pick Chris Lindstrom, the offensive guard from Boston College, came to Atlanta at 308 pounds. The Falcons want him to put on a little more weight, which he has no problem doing. "I've been comfortable at so many weights," Lindstrom told ESPN. "I've been up to 317 in camp last season. I started at 230 in high school, so I've been all over the place. But I feel really good around 310." Lindstrom moved around well during the first two days of rookie minicamp. He lined up at right guard and worked well in unison with fellow first-rounder Kaleb McNary, who lined up at right tackle.
The ESPN Analytics team ran 10,000 simulations of the season. The Chiefs are favorites, but there were plenty of surprises, including a Miami miracle.
From what I undestand, don't expect Falcons' first-round draft pick Christopher Lindstrom to agree to contract terms until sometime next week. The offensive guard will still participate in rookie minicamp this weekend as the lone Falcons' draft pick yet to agree to terms on a contract. Lindstrom expected to sign an injury agreement to participate. Falcons agreed to terms Thursday with their other first-round pick, offensive tackle Kaleb McGary. Lindstrom was the 14th overall pick and McGary the 31st overall pick. Falcons agreed to terms with fourth-rounders Kendall Sheffield and John Cominsky, fifth-rounders Qadree Ollison and Jordan Miller, and sixth-rounder Marcus Green. Rookie minicamp kicks off on Friday.
After RB Qadree Ollison's brother was murdered, he could have sought harsh justice in court for the killer. Instead, he called for mercy.
The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with four draft picks, including running backs Qadree Ollison and Marcus Green.
Tank for Tua? The 2020 NFL draft might be almost a year away, but it's not too early to look at a loaded QB class and where they might all end up.
How could the Falcons recapture their offensive swagger? For starters, they're banking on a rebuilt O-line to better protect their $150 million QB.
The Cleveland Browns -- yes, those Browns -- currently have the best odds to win the AFC North. Here are the odds you need to know for all 32 NFL teams.
Falcons announce release of guard Brandon Fusco, who started at right guard for seven games at the beginning of last season but then was lost for the season with ankle injury. Falcons initially signed Fusco to a three-year, $12.75 million contract with $5.5 million guaranteed. His release saves $3,293,750 against this year's cap. Falcons drafted guard Chris Lindstrom in first round to be a starter then added James Carpenter, Jamon Brown, and Adam Gettis in free agency.
ESPN's Tom Hamilton, Steven Saunders and Mark Ogden join Jamie and Rachel to discuss what was voted the greatest sporting moment of the 21st century.
Kyler Murray to the Cardinals ... and then some surprises after that. Which teams fared best? Kiper evaluates every team's draft class.
Falcons' 2019 draft class -- First round: Chris Lindstrom (6-4, 308), OG, Boston College (14th); Kaleb McGary (6-7, 317), OT, Washington (31st). Fourth round: Kendall Sheffield (5-11, 193), CB, Ohio State (111th); John Cominsky (6-5, 286), DL, Charleston (135th). Fifth round: Qadree Ollison (6-1, 228), RB, Pittsburgh (152nd); Jordan Miller (6-1, 186), CB, Washington (172nd). Sixth round: Marcus Green (5-8, 191), RB/WR/RS, Louisiana-Monroe (203rd)
I asked Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff if Matt Ryan thanked him for the offensive line addition, which included first-round picks Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary: ````He texted me and actually he just said, `Thanks. I appreciate that a lot. Wow.' Dimitroff said. Remember, Ryan got sacked 42 times last year, the second-most in his career behind the 44 sacks he absorbed in 2013.
The Falcons sorely needed more toughness in the trenches, and Boston College guard Chris Lindstrom should fit the bill.
I asked new Falcons DE John Cominsky what pizza place he frequented to gain weight in college at Charleston: ``Money was kind of tight through college, so it was Little Caesars,'' he said. ``It's five bucks. You get a pepperoni pizza. It's like about 2,000 calories for five bucks, so it was about the cheapest way to put on weight.'' Cominsky was 215 pound entering college and left at graduation weighing 280.
Falcons addressed the defensive line in the fourth round by taking Charleston DE John Cominsky, a Division II prospect with a huge upside. One scout said the Falcons might have hit a home run with Cominsky in a couple years based on his freakish ability. The former option quarterback continues to develop as a defensive player after putting in a lot of weight. He has speed and touted himself for being "slippery'' base on his history as an offensive skill position player. Maybe Cominsky can help enhance the pass rush with the jury still out on edge-rushers Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley. And the Falcons told Cominsky he could play inside. Cominsky didn't get any Division I scholarship opportunities but worked out for the Falcons at the University of Akron.
Falcons fill a need at CB Kendall Sheffield (5-11, 193) from Ohio State. One scout said of Sheffield, ``Fast, but he had a rough year.'' Sheffield was a projected third-round pick. He transferred to Ohio State from Blinn junior college. He's a track guy. Started 14 games at cornerback for OSU last season. Falcons needed another corner with Robert Alford released and Brian Poole lost in free agency. Desmond Trufant and Isaiah Oliver projected starters, with Damontae Kazee getting a look at nickelback from free safety. Falcons need as many DBs as possible with how much nickel played these days.
This is one NFL offensive line coach's assessment of Falcons' first-round draft picks Chris Lindstrom (14) and Kaleb McGary (31) following thorough pre-draft evaluations: ``Lindstrom, I love the way he plays. Smart, tough, finish! Does have some stiffness that may be an issue. I thought picking him that high was a little rich. ... Kaleb, I thought, was late-second to third-round-type of guy. Had some issues with teammates at Washington a time or two that made me nervous. Kid is a little different. I don't think Kaleb can handle the elite rushers in this league.''
Trading up to get offensive tackle Kaleb McGary with the 31st overall pick of the first round means the Falcons are very serious about improving the offensive line. Remember, coach Dan Quinn said after last season he was comfortable with just Alex Mack at center and Jake Matthews at left tackle. McGary and guard Chris Lindstrom, the 14th overall pick, both should come in as starters, even if Quinn wasn't ready to anoint them just yet. If Lindstrom and McGary don't start, then the Falcons really have problems evaluating prospects. Now, without a pick in the second or third round, the Falcons have to figure out how to be savvy with their remaining seven picks. The defensive line and cornerback have to be addressed, somehow.
We're tracking every trade made involving a first-round pick leading up to and during the 2019 NFL draft.
According to our valuations of draft slots -- based on AV over replacement -- the Falcons paid a 17% premium to move up to 31 in a trade with the Rams. Los Angeles comes out ahead on average, but relative to most of the trades we see on draft day that's a fairly modest price for Atlanta to pay.
The Falcons opted to address the offensive line in picking the best guard in the draft, Boston College's Chris Lindstrom, with the 14th overall pick. Lindstrom (6-4, 308) threw up 25 bench press reps at the combine and has athleticism, which should fit right in as the Falcons look to improve and get younger up front. He played primarily right guard in college but also played some right tackle, but expect him to start at one guard spot despite the free-agent additions of James Carpenter and Jamon Brown. Said one NFC scout of Lindstrom: ``Tough, quick, athletic, doesn't have great power.'' Another evaluator said Lindstrom is smart and extremely tough and competitive. Lindstrom needs to add a little weight.
Chris Lindstrom is one of the players our NFL Draft Projections model loves: it gives him an 82% chance to become a starter in his first three seasons — third-best chance in the class.
NFL Nation reporters make their best predictions for what will happen in the NFL draft.
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(14) | Chris Lindstrom | OG | Boston College |
| 1(31) | Kaleb McGary | OT | Washington |
| 4(9) | Kendall Sheffield | CB | Ohio State |
| 4(33) | John Cominsky | DE | Charleston Univ |
| 5(14) | Qadree Ollison | RB | Pittsburgh |
| 5(34) | Jordan Miller | CB | Washington |
| 6(30) | Marcus Green | WR | Louisiana-Monroe |
| TEAM | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 504 | 353 |
| Atlanta | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 414 | 423 |
| Carolina | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 376 | 382 |
| Tampa Bay | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 396 | 464 |
