5 breakout stars to watch for Atlanta Falcons in 2020

We touched on Kaleb McGary earlier, but now is the time to address the big things coming from the Falcons’ other first-round offensive lineman from last year. Atlanta used its own pick last season on offensive guard Chris Lindstrom out of Boston College. He is a very physical player and one who can really give his fellow Eagle Matt Ryan plenty of space to work with in the pocket.

Sadly for Lindstrom, he broke his foot in early September and missed three months of his rookie season. Lindstrom was put on IR with a designation to return. Though he did come back in December, he only has five career NFL starts under his belt. By playing next to future Pro Football Hall of Fame center Alex Mack, expect Lindstrom to really shine here in year two with the Falcons.

Lindstrom is like a bulldog in there as a run blocker and he’s got the versatility to be great in pass protection. It’s why an offensive guard out of Boston College went in the teens last season. Right guard has been a problem spot for Atlanta for years. By playing in between Mack and his draft classmate McGary, Atlanta could have a tremendous right side of the line if everything hits.

With Todd Gurley as the team’s new starting running back, Atlanta might have a 1,000-yard rusher for the first time in years. The big key in all of this is Lindstrom’s health. He needs to have a big year and avoid the injury bug to merit his lofty draft status two years. Though it is a limited sample size, Lindstrom did show signs of great promise, even in a rookie season ravaged by injury.