The Atlanta Falcons aren’t used to a lot of national attention recently. But guard Chris Lindstrom and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett received some from CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco.
On his annual top 100 NFL players list, Prisco included both Lindstrom and Jarrett. Prisco ranked Lindstrom at No. 58 and Jarrett at No. 89.
“He has developed into one of the best right guards in the league,” Prisco wrote of Lindstrom. “He is a physical player who has improved his pass protection, while being one of the best run blockers.”
Only two guards — Zack Martin and Joel Bitonio — were ranked ahead of Lindstrom.
Jarrett was the eighth-ranked defensive tackle. However, Prisco didn’t give some players who primarily play defensive tackle, such as Aaron Donald, a specific position designation.
“His numbers were down last season, but he’s still a force in the inside for the Falcons,” Prisco wrote of Jarrett. “He needs more help around him.”
While it’s nice to see Lindstrom and Jarrett receive some love, the Falcons actually had three players on Prisco’s list last year.
Cornerback A.J. Terrell and tight end Kyle Pitts both fell off the list. Even though Jarrett remained on Prisco’s list from 2022, he did drop 12 spots from No. 77.
However, Prisco did have Terrell and newly-signed safety Jessie Bates III on his list of honorable mentions for 2023.
With Pitts a bounce back candidate this fall, though, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him back on Prisco’s top 100 next year.
Furthermore, wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson have the talent for breakout seasons too. So, it might not be long before the Falcons have quite a few more players on lists like Prisco’s.
