All the early talk following the draft has been about the Falcons taking Bijan Robinson in the first round, but the success of this draft will be determined by what happened after that. I would even argue Atlanta’s second-round selection, Matthew Bergeron, who the team traded up to take 38th overall, could have a much bigger impact on the team’s success in 2023.
Bergeron wasn’t a highly touted prospect coming into the draft. He played offensive tackle at Syracuse but is expected to kick inside to guard at the pro level. Immediately, that raises some red flags for Falcons fans. The last time this team attempted to draft a tackle and start him at guard it was Jaylen Mayfield out of Michigan, who was a disaster. He was the worst offensive lineman in football as a rookie and eventually lost his job going into his second season to a veteran journeyman in Elijah Wilkinson.
That’s fresh in the minds of everyone, so it’s understandable to be hesitant regarding the selection, but that’s comparing apples to oranges. Bergeron is a much more complete prospect than Mayfield ever was. He’s set to be the Falcons starter at left guard from day one, and for those that believe he could have been available when Atlanta was originally slotted to pick in the second round, think again.
Thanks to this video circulating on Twitter from the Dallas Cowboys draft room, they were considering Matthew Bergeron with the 26th overall pick.
Cowboys here are debating between Michigan DT Mazi Smith and Syracuse OL Matthew Bergeron for the 26th pick on Thursday night…
Watch Will McClay deliver the closing argument for Smith #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/3YGD3jpiYg
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) May 1, 2023
That should temporarily ease the concerns of Falcons fans. The Cowboys have been one of the best in recent years at drafting offensive linemen. If they were considering taking Matt Bergeron 26th overall, the Falcons might have gotten a steal in the second round.
Hopefully, Atlanta found their starter at left guard for years to come. If he can have a positive impact as a plug-and-play starter, this offensive line is one step closer to becoming one of the most feared units in the league.
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Photo: Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire
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