Quebec tackle Matthew Bergeron continues to earn points with NFL decision makers. His week at the Senior Bowl is another successful step towards his dream.
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Bergeron has spent the last few days in Mobile, Alabama, for this game of the best graduating university prospects, which took place on Saturday afternoon.
Not only did he take part in the game, as a starter on the first series, but during practices in the previous days, he also drew praise.
The theringer.com site, among other things, spoke of the representative of Syracuse University as the “worst-kept secret in the NFL”.
On the air on NFL Network during the game, draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah mentioned the former Filons du Cégep de Thetford Mines as a potential second-round pick in the draft, which will take place from April 27 to 29.
“It was a great experience. I made new friends and met coaches from all over. On the field, I did well. I think it was also important apart from making good matches and showing my personality to the teams. I was able to compete with high-level players and I am proud of what I have accomplished,” Bergeron told the Journal during a telephone interview after the match.
Interview points
Even though the American team, of which he was a part, lost 27 to 10 against the national team, the young man from Victoriaville fully savored his experience.
During the week in Alabama, Bergeron was able to meet the 32 NFL teams during 15-minute interviews.
“On the pitch, people are going to have their own opinions. People put a lot of emphasis on the movie and I know it went well, but I really feel that in my interviews I got a lot of points. The teams realized that I was a sociable person and appreciated by the people around me. It was only positive. It weighs a lot in the balance,” he said.
The likeable 6’5″, 323 lb athlete made no secret that the week had been both challenging and rewarding.
“I loved the experience with the guys and it ended well even though we lost. It’s been a long week and I’m physically and mentally exhausted. You’re always learning new things and the teams really go into detail in interviews to get to know you. Whether it’s playbook questions or even math, you have to be constantly alert,” he explained.
Blocker or guard?
Although he played as a blocker throughout his career, Bergeron did a few repetitions as a guard this week. He expects to stay in his natural position at the next level, but he’s not closing any doors.
“When I spoke to NFL general managers and coaches, what came out was that I’m seen more as a blocker than a guard. For me, it’s still reassuring. I proved this week that I could arrive in a team and play everywhere.
“At the end of the day, if a team drafts me to play guard, I’m going to play guard. It’s not a problem, even if my dream is to play blocker. All I can control is being ready for both positions,” he said wisely.
A nice transition
In the end, Bergeron is proud of the job done and realizes more and more that he already has a foothold in the NFL by dint of meeting coaches and general managers.
“Of course at first it’s impressive, but once the conversation is started, you see that it’s people like you and me. You get used to it quickly. I’m not a college player anymore. I am one of the players who will be drafted and I train with players who have been or are part of the NFL. It’s slowly becoming a habit.”
