Matthew Bergeron has played both left and right tackle during his time at Syracuse and appears primed to play either position at the next level. I like Bergeron as a developmental prospect at this point of his career – he has some things he can clean up with his footwork and hand techniques. He’s played both left and right tackle at Syracuse. If he can settle onto a team where he can backup a veteran for a couple of years before starting, he could be a very solid long term player. 

There are a few things that Matthew Bergeron can clean up. Bergeron’s feet could get better, as sometimes he looks a little too wide in his base to properly recover against power. He tends to play too upright which is why his base is wide. He can improve his hand strength too, with some work to better deal with power rushers. 

Syracuse OT Matthew Bergeron 6’5 325. One of the highest floors of the tackle group. Good feet & hips. SMART. Doesn’t get beat across face in run game or inside in pass pro.

Played significant snaps at RT as well. Won’t make it past the 2nd round. pic.twitter.com/SPS83qDJ6l

— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) January 19, 2023

Missed 1 game in 2022 with an undisclosed injury. Other than that, Bergeron has done an excellent job of staying healthy. 

Matthew Bergeron’s scouting notes

Athletic Ability (40)

Athleticism: 20 –

• Speed (7/10) – Speed is average. I don’t see a lot that makes him stand out. Played left tackle so wasn’t asked to move very much. Quickness is good. 
• Lateral Quickness (7/10) – Good, not great, lateral quickness. He can move well and sets the edge well with his quickness off the snap. However, when he’s in pass protection sometimes, he looks like he can surrender some space to a speed rusher off the edge. 

Strength/Power: 20 –

• Upper Body Strength (5.5/7) – Good upper body strength, shows solid stiff arm ability and can manhandle defenders at times. 
• Lower Body Strength (5/7) – Lower body strength appears to be lacking a little bit. Shows some lower leg drive and anchoring ability but can get overwhelmed with power. 
• Brute Power (3/6) – Average brute at best. Doesn’t really stand out in this regard. Plays too upright to generate brute power. 

Lineman Technique (45)

Anchor/Plant: 10 –

• Anchor Strength (3.5/5) – Bergeron has a very stout anchor. I’m concerned about it a little bit after watching him against Clemson. Held up well against lower competition, struggled against more elite players. 
• Plant Recovery (2.5/5) – Doesn’t recover well. Tends to overset and becomes overly aggressive. Needs to learn to settle down and recover back in his base fundamentals. 

Hand Usage: 15 –

• Hand Placement (5/7) – Solid hand placement. Can get into grabby situations a lot (25 career penalties). 
• Hand Strength (3/5) – Hand strength is average. Doesn’t handle a lot of power moves from defenders well. 
• Technique (2.5/3) – Good technique, attacks the outside shoulders and locks into the block. 

Pass Block: 10 –

• Strength (3.5/5) – Good pass blocker. Shows some bend ability to stay in the rep. 
• Consistency (3/5) – Was fairly consistent, but would struggle against stronger opponents. Can get grabby, has 25 career penalties (10 in 2021, 9 in 2020). 

Run Block: 10 –

• Strength (4/5) – Flashes the ability to be a dominant run blocker. Finishes well. Can lose his leverage on a run rep with his pure aggressiveness. Works up to the second level very well. 
• Consistency (3.5/5) – Fairly consistent as a run blocker. Can get ducked under in the second level and whiff on blocks.

Persona (15)

Football IQ: 10 –

• College Transition (4/5) – College offense at Syracuse does not closely resemble any NFL scheme, but could provide more in terms of endurance and stamina due to the up-tempo pace in which Syracuse played. 
• Understanding of Assignments (4.5/5) – Seems to understand his assignments very well. Very smart and intelligent player. 

Overall: (76.5) – 3rd/4th Round