Matthew Bergeron 2023 NFL Draft profile: Scout report for the Syracuse OT

Matthew Bergeron, just inside the top 1,000 recruits in 2019, played in 12 and started five game as a true freshman at Syracuse. Other than missing two games last season, he started all of the other 34 games, with all but three of those at left tackle. He earned honorable mention and then second-team All-ACC accolades most recently, while being a team captain in 2022.

Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse

6-foot-5, 320 pounds; Redshirt junior

Postives

+ Nice girth throughout his frame and effectively rolls his hips through contact to create movement in the run game

+ Even with suboptimal hand placement, he can widen the edge pretty consistently on the front-side of zone concepts

+ Shows a strong grip with the inside hand, which doesn’t allow edge defenders to backdoor or slip his blocks typically

+ When having to block down on three-techniques who aggressively try to get through his gap, Mathew Bergeron does well to get his hand on the defender's hip and use that momentum against that guy

+ Does well on hinge blocks and gets the job done when tasked with sealing guys on the backside of concepts

+ In formations with a tight end next to him, where the C-gap was uncovered, Bergeron effectively was able to able to pick up and ride smaller bodies at the edge of the box out of the picture.

+ You really like what he presents blocking on the move, sweeping around the edge and taking linebackers for a ride or blowing DBs trying to set the edge out of the picture

+ Was utilized on some skip-pulls, where he would wrap around on GT power plays and looked pretty light on his feet to get to his landmarks

+ Shows a real plan in his approach as a pass protector, changing up between quick sets, jumping out of his stance aggressively versus speed-based rushers, etc.

+ Can cover a ton of ground in his kick-sets in order to counter true speedballs off the edge

+ Carries his hands at his hips and is ready to punch and counter the movement of rushers

+ Will land some surprise stabs quickly at the chest of rushers to throw off the timing of the moves they want to set up

+ Displays the body control to reanchor even when it looks like power rushers are under control of reps

+ Transitions well on twists by the D-line, whether it’s the strong base to absorb force by the initial slanter or the lateral agility to slide in front of the secondary looper

+ Quickly redirects from the initial kick to a lateral shuffle to help out or take over stunting interior defenders if his man on the edge peels off

+ Generally can use the momentum of defender to guide him away from the quarterback

+ Takes advantages of chances to pull off-balance rushers to the ground and pins them down there

+ While he was officially charged for five sacks by PFF last season, in terms of total pressures, he was at 12 compared to 11 the year prior, with 770 combined pass-blocking snaps

+ Slid inside to guard some during Senior Bowl week, and I thought he was able drop the anchor against powerful rushers

Negatives

– His hands regularly start off high and wide already, and Mathew Bergeron minimizes the force he can apply in the run game, as well as make him vulnerable to get flagged, because the refs can see everything

– Pro Football Focus only credited him with 33 positively graded run plays last season, which I wouldn’t judge as such (in terms of a net plus), but in terms of having his hands latched onto the aiming points, that number is probably about right

– Tends to pick up his inside foot too much, as he’s trying to gain ground vertically in his pass-sets and becomes vulnerable against guys with a great long-arm – Clemson’s Myles Murphy was in control of that matchup for most of the day, even if Myles didn’t get to finish many plays

– Edge rushers are frequently the ones to get their arms inside, and Bergeron ends up with his elbows out wide, which limits his ability to slow down power

Overview

Mathew Bergeron has nearly put together the exact same resume during his predraft process as Tennessee’s Darnell Wright.

Throughout Senior Bowl week, I thought his movement skills in pass-protection were highly impressive, not allowing guys to gain an angle on the quarterback, as well as being able to mirror and shut down some challenging counter moves.

And while he didn’t test at the combine, he had a tremendous on-field workout. He looked so light-footed, changed directions and reacted to the coaches’ indications without any issues. His hand placement in both facets of the game drove me wild at times on tape, but that area already looked improved in Mobile, and I also understand that he will receive the type of coaching to see major benefits.

How well he carries 320 pounds, being able to cover ground vertically and horizontal in protection, is rare – and he doesn’t even yet take great advantage of his play-strength all the time. I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up being one of the last few picks of the first round, and he’s probably a lock for the top 50.

Grade: Mid-/late second round

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