WATCH: Cowboys Nearly Drafted Falcons OL Matthew Bergeron in Round 1
There were many that questioned the Atlanta Falcons' decision to trade up six spots in the second round of the NFL Draft to select Syracuse offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron.
However, he was on the Dallas Cowboys' shortlist to be selected with the No. 26 pick in the first round, eventually losing out to Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
The Cowboys would have been happy with either player, but Dallas eventually went with Smith given the team's lack of defensive line depth compared to the offensive line. I'm sure the Falcons aren't complaining with the Cowboys' decision.
A native of Victoriaville, Canada, Bergeron received only one college scholarship - Syracuse. He proceeded to start the final 39 games of his college career, seeing time at both left and right tackle.
The 6-5, 318-pound Bergeron worked more as a right tackle upon arrival, becoming the first true freshman to start at offensive tackle for the Orange in 17 years, before starting 32 consecutive games on the left side to close out his career.
This past season, Bergeron allowed three hurries, four quarterback hits, five sacks and 12 pressures while earning an 80.8 overall pass blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus.
As a run blocker, Bergeron graded out at 69 overall but has been praised by league evaluators for his physicality, and his athleticism projects kindly to Atlanta's wide-zone offense.
SI's Draft Bible dubbed Bergeron "one of the safest prospects in the draft" and as someone who "projects as a long-term starting tackle or guard at the next level."
With the Falcons, Bergeron appears poised to slide into the starting left guard role, which four different players held last year amidst an array of injuries. Incumbent starter Elijah Wilkinson signed with the Arizona Cardinals this offseason, leaving an opening that could be filled by the second-team All-ACC selection.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Falcons? Click Here.
Follow Falcon Report on Twitter.
Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the SI.com team page here
