Tag: Matthew Bergeron

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Kevin Fielder’s final mock draft

With just one day left until the beginning of the NFL Draft, Kevin Fielder releases his final mock draft.

By now, you’ve likely heard about how this year’s NFL Draft is one of the hardest to project.

Between the uncertainty around the quarterback position and the number of players who could find themselves in the first round of the NFL Draft, there is no way to fully project the top 10 of the draft, let alone all 31 first-round picks.

As I sat down to write my final mock draft of the cycle, I found it difficult to get past the Houston Texans at No. 2 overall. The new coaching staff can take plenty of different paths, including passing up on a quarterback, and they’ll all affect the rest of the first round.

As a result, this mock draft might be ruined early on. However, that’s the challenge of trying to predict all 31 picks.

Unlike my other four mock drafts, this one doesn’t have trades. While there will be trades during Thursday’s festivities, it’s hard to predict which teams will move up, so I want to keep this one as chalk as possible.

Without further ado, here goes nothing.

Patriots load up on offensive firepower in 3-round mock 2023 NFL draft

An early trade pays off huge for the Patriots in this three-round mock draft.

The New England Patriots have made the offensive side of the ball a priority throughout the offseason, and that likely isn’t changing heading into the 2023 NFL draft.

There needs to be improvements made along the offensive front, particularly at offensive tackle, and the team still needs weapons at receiver. The oft-used phrase that defense wins championships hasn’t taken into account that six of the last seven Super Bowl champions had a top-five scoring offense.

So the Patriots, who finished 16th in scoring in 2022, must get better at fighting fire with fire to compete with some of the juggernaut offenses that have risen in the NFL.

This year’s draft gives them a chance to build both for the present and future. They need players that can step in immediately and help get them back on track, but they also have to make selections with the future in mind. Getting back to championship contention for New England should be considered a marathon, not a sprint.

This three-round mock draft would go a long way in putting them back in position to be successful. They make a gamble in trading down in the first round and still end up getting their guy, while also picking up an extra second-round pick to make an unexpected splash elsewhere on the roster.

Here’s how the results unfolded:

Dolphins 2023 Draft Prospect Profile: Matthew Bergeron (OL, Syracuse)

He could potentially help at multiple spots.

The NFL Draft is less than a week away, and the Miami Dolphins front office seems ready for action. Following a Wednesday press conference that saw general manager Chris Grier and assistant general manager Marvin Allen discuss Miami’s options, the duo seemed calm, cool and collected.

Albeit with just four draft picks, a second-rounder, a third-rounder, with a sixth and seventh, Grier and Allen still have work to do the next few days. In addition to the prospects on the board for selection, there have been loud whispers of Dalvin Cook as a potential draft weekend addition in some way, shape or form. Rumor had indicated the Minnesota Vikings have fielded trade inquiries, and if no deal is worked, Cook could be cut.

Should Miami pounce, is a question that should be answered one way or another over this next week and through the selection meeting long weekend. Regardless of the outside rumors, Miami could position themselves in trade-down or trade-up situations as they hold two value picks of their four – Nos. 51 and 84.

Should they use current picks, future picks, or players as potential trading chips, or a combination, Grier is known to make draft weekend moves. With two picks within the top 84, let’s focus on a possible selection by the Dolphins in this range or even the top 100 should Miami move down the board. The first player in this series was South Dakota State tight end Tucker Kraft.

We’ll switch positions here but stay on offense. The offensive line needs work, and while a verbal and ambiguous endorsement was given for Austin Jackson by Grier at that press conference, it would be a surprise if Miami doesn’t add to the line somehow.

The jury hasn’t been kind on the verdict of Grier’s success at drafting offensive linemen, however, there are prospects in this year’s class that could be too intriguing to pass on—specifically a guy who can play 80% of the positions along the line.

Matthew Bergeron is a Syracuse Orange tackle who could play guard and very well may be headed for that slot in the NFL. With questions about Miami left guard Liam Eichenberg, as well as Jackson on the right side of the line at tackle, Bergeron may just be the perfect chess piece on this unit.

He could have a chance to compete in two areas and swing for injury insurance should a certain veteran tackle need a game or two to get fully healthy within the season. During his four-year career at Syracuse, Bergeron excelled in run-blocking and has good professional-level size for the interior. At 6-foot-5 and 318 pounds, he could transition to guard. He was a fixture on the Orange offensive line since his freshman season with leadership qualities and intelligence that helped name him a 2022 team captain.

Bergeron played 686 snaps for Syracuse in 2022 and was flagged just three times all season while allowing a mere five sacks on the year. He earned second-team All-ACC honors and finished his collegiate career as a two-time All-ACC selection.

According to Pro Football Focus, Bergeron was the third-highest graded tackle and fourth among offensive linemen regardless of position in the ACC in 2022.

In this past March’s NFL combine, his workouts combined to an accumulative offensive tackle Total Score of eighth. Bergeron has the athleticism and speed to produce as a quality run-blocker at the line of scrimmage and at the next level as well.

There’s elite potential in the run aspect of Bergeron’s game, and that could help Miami’s running back by committee in Mike McDaniel’s year-two scheme right away. While pass protection and some overall technical aspects of his game are works in progress, with a little luck he could slide down to No. 84, in which case he would be a relative steal for the Dolphins to draft and develop him.

Bergeron is a name that has been popular in mock drafts and could very well be taken prior to Miami’s third-round pick, as he has been grading as a second-round prospect. 51 could be a touch early, so if Miami slides back a dozen or so picks, Bergeron’s draft sweet spot could be in the 60-75 range for max value.

The versatile pro-ready lineman is an enticing prospect and should be competing on any roster for an instant starting role as a rookie. He very well could put two veterans that are penciled in on the line in South Florida, officially on notice.

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10 offensive tackles for the Eagles in 2023 NFL draft

We’re looking at ten offensive line prospects to watch for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 NFL Draft

The Eagles are a gold standard franchise in the NFL, and a significant reason for the yearly success centers around one of the top offensive lines in football.

Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson are both all-time greats and have been with Philadelphia throughout Howie Roseman’s tenure.

The Eagles GM drafted Jordan Mailata in 2018, and he made significant decisions by previously acquiring Brandon Brooks and Isaac Seumalo.

Landon Dickerson was a second-round risk, and he’s a Pro Bowl left guard and potential All-Pro who has transitioned from the center position.

Cam Jurgens was drafted to replace Jason Kelce at the center position, but the former Nebraska All-American could slide to right guard in 2023.

Philadelphia builds from the inside out, and the Eagles’ GM will indeed begin preparing to replace Johnson and possibly Mailata at some point.

With the NFL draft fast approaching, here are ten offensive tackles to watch.

One offensive tackle for the Eagles in every round of the 2023 NFL draft

We’re looking at one offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles in every round of the 2023 NFL draft.

The Eagles are set to retool the offensive line after losing a key contributor and a Pro Bowl-caliber starter in Isaac Suemalo.

The expectation is that former Nebraska center and 2021 second-round pick Cam Jurgens will slide to right guard.

Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman could decide to draft a more natural fit for the position to compete against Jurgens while adding more depth to the NFL’s most talented position group.

The Eagles have studs at the offensive tackle position, with Lane Johnson (RT) as the best at his job.

Jordan Mailata has Pro Bowl potential at left tackle and is a mauler and Jalen Hurts’ personal protector.

With the NFL draft quickly approaching, we’re looking at one offensive tackle in every round of the selection process.

1 offensive tackle for the Vikings for every round of the 2023 NFL draft

Even though the Minnesota Vikings are set at offensive tackle, you should always be prepared if a talented prospect falls down the board.

The Minnesota Vikings searched for their cornerstone tackles for a long time, and they finally found them in Christain Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. If no unforeseen events occur, they should have their tackle position settled for years to come.

However, the NFL is unpredictable, and injuries can ruin a team’s season. Although the Vikings are not likely to use an early pick on a tackle, it is worth examining the draft class because you never know. Let’s explore one offensive tackle from each round of the draft who may fit well with the Vikings.

Patriots wait for second round to get OT in Mel Kiper’s mock draft

The Patriots select an offensive tackle in the second round of Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. had several interesting selections for the New England Patriots in his latest two-round mock draft.

He has the Patriots focusing on the defensive side of the ball by taking Oregon standout cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the No. 14 overall pick. However, in the second round, things move back over to the offense with the team crossing out a major need along the offensive front.

Kiper has New England taking Syracuse offensive tackle Matthew Bergeron with the No. 46 pick.

Bergeron was a team captain in his junior season last year. He was named to the All-ACC Second-Team. He had a great year, winning the ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week award twice.

Bergeron was a model of consistency. He was penalized three times and allowed only five sacks in 686 snaps in 2022. The Patriots do have solid tackle talent, headlined by Trent Brown. However, younger depth is a necessity at the position.

Bergeron would fit the bill and give the team someone they could potentially plug in sooner rather than later.

Here’s what Kiper had to say about this draft selection.

There will be good value for offensive tackles in Round 2; it’s a strong class at the top. Bergeron is a riser after the combine and I’ve heard his name as a wild-card first-round pick. He started 39 games in college, playing both left and right tackle. He could play either spot in New England, which brought in Riley Reiff in free agency and has Trent Brown, who’s a free agent in 2024, on the left side.

Offensive line is a position of need for New England in terms of adding depth.

Bergeron would be a safe and productive choice, as the organization looks to rebuild the line. The tackle could be a major piece for New England’s future.

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Browns land OT Matthew Bergeron, WR Tyler Scott in 2023 NFL Draft mock

This one is a bit unorthodox from what we have seen…

Mock drafts are in excess as the 2023 NFL Draft is now just three weeks away. And in a recent one completed by Draft Wire, the Cleveland Browns went in an unorthodox direction. Most mock drafts have the Browns selecting a defensive tackle, defensive end, or wide receiver with the 74th overall pick. Still, this one has them selecting an offensive tackle in the form of Syracuse’s Matthew Bergeron. They then return on the clock at 98 and take Cincinnati wide receiver, Tyler Scott.

The Browns have both of their offensive tackles under contract through 2024 as they are expected to pick up the fifth-year option of Jedrick Wills. Right tackle Jack Conklin was re-signed on essentially a two-year deal (guaranteed money on the four-year deal runs out after two) this season as well. The 2023 NFL Draft may be a bit too early to address this position.

Scott has the talent to go top-50 in a couple of weeks, but his average draft position is sitting at 72 right now according to Grinding the Mocks. Landing him at 98 would be highway robbery.

Browns 2023 NFL Draft Matthew Bergeron Tyler Scott

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Detroit Lions 7-round mock draft: Russell Brown’s v2.0

The 2nd full Lions mock draft from Russell Brown features a couple of interesting trades and new names for Detroit

As free agency starts to wind down, I’ll be providing a weekly mock draft on the direction the Lions could go in the 2023 NFL Draft. There might be the same player here and there but each week, it’ll be different players and different perspectives. Let’s jump into a realistic 7-round mock draft for the Detroit Lions.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 53, Syracuse OL Matthew Bergeron

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Syracuse offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.

All signs point to David Bakhtiari being back with the Green Bay Packers next season. At this point, it’s a Ray Zalinski guarantee that the veteran left tackle will be back at 1265 Lombardi Avenue next season. 

Zach Tom has proven to be a viable option at right or left tackle, with the versatility to play anywhere along the offensive line. Yosh Nijman will most likely be back. The Packers also have Rasheed Walker and Caleb Jones on the roster. On top of that, Elgton Jenkins is always capable of kicking back outside in a pinch.

It would appear the Packers are set at the tackle position for the upcoming season. What about a year from now?

Will Bakhtiari and Njiman be on the roster after next season? What’s Tom’s best position? With a cloud hanging over the future of the tackle position, it would not be shocking to see the Packers take an offensive tackle during the 2023 NFL Draft.

A player that Brian Gutekunst could target on day two of the upcoming draft is Matthew Bergeron. The Syracuse offensive tackle checks in at No. 53 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown. 

The No. 2 prospect out of Canada, Bergeron finished his career at Syracuse with 39 career starts under his belt. He started eight games at right tackle and 31 games at left tackle. 

“Bergeron was the most reliable Syracuse offensive lineman,” Kevin Wall, the manager of Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician said. “The team’s protection suffered from the loss of H-back Chris Elmore in the opener but Bergeron helped Syracuse to an improved offensive season. Syracuse got off to a hot start before a tougher schedule and injuries led to a 1-5 finish to the regular season. Bergeron missed the next to last game at Wake Forest but he was the best offensive lineman for the second year in a row.”

Bergeron is a gifted athlete and that athleticism is on full display as a run blocker. He has outstanding range. He’s comfortable getting out in space and shows no restrictions climbing to the second level. The 39-game starter hits his targets when he’s out in space.  He seals outside run lanes and generates push at the point of attack. 

“The numbers would say this is his weaker area, but I think Syracuse often loaded up the right side with extra blockers and relied on Bergeron to handle defensive ends by himself,” Wall said. “Syracuse used a zone run scheme the last two seasons and he did an effective job opening holes for Sean Tucker.” 

In pass protection, Bergeron has quick feet and the lateral quickness mirror edge rushers. He has smooth hips. He has good core strength and is able to anchor down against power. 

It’s just a consistency thing for the Syracuse tackle. There are times when everything (feet, hands) is out of sync for Bergeron. According to Pro Football Focus, Bergeron gave up five sacks this past season, including four in the final four games he played in this season.

“His trouble seems to come with speed rushers who get into him before he can get his hands into them,” Wall said. “I’m sure that’s why he was given reps at guard at the Senior Bowl as teams see if there’s a better fit along the interior. Those final four games also had Syracuse playing with either an injured Garrett Shrader or Carlos Del Rio-Wilson making his first career start. He’s still got room for improvement. You’re talking about a player who came to Syracuse from Canada and dealt with multiple coaches and changing philosophies during his college career. Bergeron is one of those players that if given the time to develop could become a long-time NFL starter.”

Fit with the Packers

As it stands right now, the Packers would appear to have their starting offensive tackles for week one on the roster.

Bergeron could use a year to iron out some of his technique in pass protection. He would benefit from a “redshirt” year.

The Syracuse offensive tackle has all the tools to develop into a team’s left or right tackle. Some teams may kick him inside to guard.

“I know character gets overshadowed by production, but opponents talk about the challenge of facing Bergeron while the Syracuse coaches and players talk about the importance he brings to the locker room,” Wall said. “When you want to draft a player who will give 100 percent to their craft and their team, you want players like Bergeron. He’s not going to throw a fit if he’s moved inside or asked to start off as a backup. He’s going to throw himself into doing what it takes to be part of a winning culture.”

Bergeron finished his time at Syracuse with 39 starts. He’s battle-tested, with the ability to play either tackle spot or kick inside to guard. With his experience, athleticism, and versatility, Bergeron could be a potential day-two target for the Packers as they start thinking about life after Bakhtiari. 

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