Matthew Bergeron Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image Courtesy of Adrian Kraus/AP Photo)

School: Syracuse (Senior)

Position: OT

HT: 6’5

WT: 322 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #34

Matthew Bergeron is originally from Montreal, Quebec and played his high school ball in a town just outside of Montreal, where he became that town’s first ever D1 athlete. Bergeron became a starter in his first year at Syracuse and has been there ever since. Originally being put at the right tackle position, Bergeron has played left tackle since the end of his freshman season. This experience in both spots displays positional versatility that every team looks for in a tackle prospect. Starting since his freshman year also gives him a valuable amount of experience that will serve him well at the next level. Bergeron controls and moves his weight well. He has a strong lower half that he uses as an anchor when planting his feet in the dirt to absorb power rushes. Bergeron is most effective in the run game where he is able to get to his assignment and execute his blocks. He does well in diagnosing different types of blitz packages and stunts at the line of scrimmage. He has solid footwork for his size and handles pressure to his outside shoulder well. Bergeron is able to keep a wide base and good pad level to keep rushers in front of him. Due to his ability to play at a good pad level, his punches keep rushers off balance and unable to really drive into him. Not only does Bergeron have a strong lower half, but he is always keeping his legs moving. When engaged in run protection, he constantly churns his legs forward. He does not get out of control at the point of attack, as he is very fundamentally sound. He absorbs contact and keeps himself balanced while doing so. He is also looking to finish a blocking assignment and move to the second level of the defense in order to lead the ball carrier down field. He moves very well with his weight and has good change of direction ability.

Matthew Bergeron is a decently sized prospect, but his length is suspect. He has shorter arms than you like to see out of an offensive tackle. Alongside less-than-ideal length, Bergeron struggles with hand placement at the point of attack. Oftentimes, Bergeron’s hands slip off the defender and get him in a disadvantageous position.

Matthew Bergeron has been a staple of the Syracuse offensive line since his freshman season. He has experience at both the right tackle and left tackle positions, where he has experienced success in both roles. Bergeron projects well as an interior lineman on either side of the line due to his lack of length.

Scheme Fit: Zone Rushing Offense

Ideal Role: Guard

Best Team Fits: BUF, DAL, MIN

Player Comparison: Rodger Saffold

Player Grade: 81.8