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MONTREAL – An NFL scout confirms that the enthusiasm for Matthew Bergeron is not felt only in Quebec. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he was drafted in the second round. »
Nothing could be more normal than Bergeron arousing growing interest in the province where he grew up. Thus, we wanted to obtain a more neutral opinion from a recruiter from an NFL team who agreed to confide on condition of anonymity.
Until now, Tshimanga Biakabutuka remains the only Quebecer drafted in the first round in the NFL (8th overall by the Carolina Panthers in 1996). After Touchdown TimBenjamin St-Juste comes second having been selected in the third round (74th by Washington in 2021).
According to the perception of the recruiter consulted, it’s a safe bet that Bergeron will interfere between Biakabutuka and St-Juste.
“Most teams rank him as high as round two and all the way up to round four,” our interviewer added of the six-foot-five, 318-pound athlete.
There is a simple reason for this variation: some teams see him as a blocker, which has a higher value, while other clubs see him as a guard in the NFL.
“He has athletic tools to do both. He has strengths in both phases (running and passing games) and he will prevail in the race. You can really see how fast his body is in both phases,” the scout said.
“What will perhaps force it to move inward is its lack of reach (compared to larger blockers). It could harm him a little when he finds himself alone in protection in a large space. But he will improve by adding strength and power to absorb the blows and anchor his gestures, ”continued the speaker.
No doubt, Bergeron charmed several scouts and it shows in this discussion.
“We liked it in the process. In my opinion, he has all the tools you are looking for in an offensive lineman. I especially think of his agility of reaction and to move his feet, he is very athletic, ”noted this recruiter.
What also reassures NFL teams is that Bergeron has already proven his dedication to football. The leaders believe that this aspect of his personality will be the key to developing his potential.
“It depends a lot on the player and Matthew has a very complete profile that will allow him to progress. When you look at his journey, his love for football, his successful transition from Canada to the United States, becoming a leader in his team without it being his mother tongue, his mental and physical toughness. These are all elements in which he hit really hard in the process, ”explained the scout.
According to Bergeron’s conversations with the team of the recruiter consulted, here are some elements that stand out.
“A great character, a truly determined person, who loves football, who is intelligent and enduring, he is an athlete who fits into what we are looking for. »
Obviously, Bergeron will be in competition with the other offensive line prospects.
“He is not in the top, top, but he stands out well, above average,” identified the recruiter.
“This year, I see more depth at guard and center. It’s still relatively limited to the blocker position and it’s no exception this time. So for the teams who see him more as a blocker, he becomes more attractive, ”concluded this source which leaves a suspense for the draft.
2023-04-27 11:00:00
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