Falcons OL Matthew Bergeron 'Talented Enough' to Play Multiple Positions, Says Analyst

Matthew Bergeron played tackle at Syracuse, but he projects to be a guard with the Atlanta Falcons.

Even though Matthew Bergeron played tackle at Syracuse, the Atlanta Falcons traded up to draft him in the second round to start his career at guard.

Bergeron is expected to take over the left guard spot, which was vacated by Elijah Wilkinson, who signed with the Arizona Cardinals this offseason.

To learn more about Bergeron, we spoke with All Syracuse publisher Mike McAllister, who gave us some insight on what the newest Falcons offensive lineman can bring to the table.

1. Matthew Bergeron played a lot of tackle in college, but appears to make the switch to guard in the NFL. Do you agree with the position change? 

I think it really depends on team need. Bergeron is talented enough to play guard or tackle in my opinion. He is an extremely hard worker, plays with a mean streak and is very technically sound. I think moving inside will work well for him. At the same time, given the fact that he played exclusively tackle in college, he provided depth at that position as well making him a valuable addition to an NFL roster.

2. What are his biggest strengths? 

Bergeron’s biggest strengths are his fundamentals. He works extremely hard to make sure he is always in the right position, uses his hands the right way, perfects footwork, etc. The reason he saw the field early at Syracuse was because of how fundamentally sound he was right away. That will serve him well at the next level regardless of where he plays along the offensive line.

3. What are his biggest weaknesses? 

I never really thought there was any one specific area that was a significant weakness for Bergeron watching him during his career at Syracuse. Playing tackle in the ACC, he saw elite level pass rushers every year and more than held his own. That said, the defensive linemen that had the most success against him were really quick off the ball and extremely long. Explosive edge rushers that could also use their length to keep Bergeron away from their body. Moving inside would significantly reduce that concern.

4. Is there an NFL player that reminds you of Bergeron. If so, why? 

There are two that I like. First is Justin Pugh. Why? Pugh was also a Syracuse product who played tackle in college but moved inside in the NFL, due in part to shorter than idea arm length for a tackle. Second is Brandon Scherff, because of Matthew Bergeron’s mean streak as a run blocker. I love Bergeron’s ability to open up holes in the ground game and he has the athleticism to pull.

5. What is the best-case scenario for Bergeron's career?

I think best case is he becomes one of the better, more versatile linemen in the NFL. I’m not sure I see a consistent All-Pro type player, as that might be too much to expect. But a really good, above average starter who has a few pro bowl seasons mixed in is very realistic.

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You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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