After releasing veteran right guard T.J. Lang at the beginning of the offseason, the Lions now have a big hole open in the middle of their offensive line at right guard. Knowing general manager Bob Quinn’s affinity for drafting offensive lineman early, expect to see a guard taken with one of the Lions’ first three picks in the draft.
Here, the Lions get great value on a top three guard in the draft this year. Lindstrom is a mauler who was a terror for opposing defensive linemen throughout his college career. He was the best lineman for a Boston College line charged with providing running lanes for standout running back AJ Dillon.
Lindstrom is a better run blocker than pass protector, but is not slacking in any areas despite that. In fact, based off of Quinn’s offensive coordinator hire, they may prefer a run block first type of guard. Regardless, Lindstrom is the type of guard who can be an elite run blocker and an above average pass protector in any scheme.
Lindstrom saw his stock soar after an extremely dominant Senior Bowl in which he and fellow fringe first round offensive lineman Dalton Risner absolutely dominated the right side of the line of scrimmage during the Senior Bowl game. Lindstrom also barely lost any battles during the game and in one on ones during practice throughout the week.
If Quinn can add a guard of Lindstrom’s quality with this second round pick he should jump at the chance to add another cornerstone for the offensive line. With him, offensive guard Frank Ragnow, and center Graham Glasgow solidifying the middle of the offensive line the Lions would have massive success running the ball up the middle of the line and defenses would find it hard to generate pressure from up the middle as well.