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Alec Lindstrom is the younger brother of ex Boston College Eagle Chris Lindstrom who now plays for the Atlanta Falcons. Lindstrom may have genetics and pedigree, but it takes more than that to succeed in the NFL. Most scouts regard Lindstrom as the second best center in the 2022 NFL draft class.

After watching a player like Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum, whom we love, the gap between the two quickly becomes evident. Lindstrom continues to receive praise from other sites, but I am not ready to jump on his hype train just yet.

Alec is a local talent who played his high school ball at Shepherd Hill in Dudley, Massachusetts. He managed to garner only a two star analysis from 247 sports coming out of high school. Did 247 get it right?

Genetics can not be taught and they also can’t be argued. Lindstrom is the benefactor of great football genetics. As I pointed out previously, his brother is a current guard in the NFL. On top of that his father played for BC and spent three seasons in the NFL.

He has prototypical size to play center on Sundays. The offensive lineman stands 6-3 and weighs in at 300 lbs. Along with that size, his lifetime of football knowledge has made him an intelligent player. Alec is the one making pre-play reads and giving his fellow lineman blocking assignments. This is an important skill for a center.

I believe he plays the best when run blocking. When he can explode off the ball, and is able to get to the second level, he looks good. He looks great on outside zone runs. During these plays he seals off the correct linebacker, so his backs can make a cut.

I see no “Wow” plays from Lindstrom when I watch his film. If I’m considering a player to be the best at his position, which one site thinks of Lindstrom, then he should make me say “Wow”.

Lindstrom overpowered when pass blocking often. During the game against Pitt, he gives up way too much ground on almost every pass play. Defenders get into his pads and push him back forcing the quarterback out of the pocket prematurely. Against Virginia Tech it happens again. Lindstrom is dominated by a linebacker, who drives him back into his quarterback. This causes the play to result in a sack. He should have been able to overpower the linebacker with ease.

He lacks the strength to step in as a day one starter in the NFL. Also, for lack of a better term, I see a casual pass blocker. If I’m considering a player early in the NFL Draft, I need to see a lineman who is strong in the run and pass game. He also lacks elite athleticism and at times looks cumbersome.

With Lindstrom’s pedigree and football intelligence I believe he will be drafted next April. However, if he doesn’t show drastic improvement, I wouldn’t draft him on day 1 or 2. I’d consider him in the fifth round at best. At this point, I have four or five centers ahead of him.

He needs to spend time in the weight room, and I mean a lot of it, and add a lot of strength. I will watch Lindstrom to see if he is pushed back easily this season. If he is, I’m taking him off my draft board.