Dallas Cowboys 7-Round 2023 Mock Draft 3.0
By Cassidy Cook
Dallas Cowboys Round 2 – Matthew Bergeron – Offensive Line – Syracuse
Height: 6'5" Weight: 318lbs. Forty: DNP Wingspan: 81.88"
With the additions of Brandin Cooks and Stephon Gilmore, the offensive line catapults to the top of the list when it comes to the Cowboys’ biggest needs. Dallas is in desperate need of an offensive guard now that they’re committed to playing Tyler Smith at left tackle. As of now, the Cowboys have their depth chart set up with the following starting five:
- LT – Tyler Smith
- LG – Chuma Edoga
- C – Tyler Biadasz
- RG – Zack Martin
- RT – Tyron Smith
- Swing – Terrence Steele
Outside of Tyler Smith and Zack Martin, there are a ton of concerns across the offensive line. Chuma Edoga was a good depth signing but doesn’t slate well as their starting left guard. Tyler Biadasz has been inconsistent thus far in his career and is in the last year of his rookie deal. Lastly, Tyron Smith hasn’t played a full season since 2015 and has only played 17 games combined in the last three seasons. It’s not “if” Tyron Smith misses time this year, it’s “when” he misses time.
Insert the Montreal native, Matthew Bergeron. The Syracuse alumn from the north is one of the most experienced prospects coming out of college as he has played over 2,500 snaps at tackle. Yes, I know Dallas needs a left guard but he lacks the true length to be an elite tackle and project best as a guard at the NFL level. Bergeron is quick off the snap and is a steamroller in the run game getting deep into the second level. Mike McCarthy stated earlier this offseason that he wanted to be able to run the ball more consistently and Matthew Bergeron would instantly upgrade the Dallas Cowboys’ roster and left guard position.
Where Bergeron shows weakness is in the passing game where he gave up 5 sacks this past season compared to just 1 in 2021 and he has had 22 penalties in the past 3 seasons. Although the “worst” part of his game is in pass protection, he still posted a respectable 80.8 pass block grade in 2022. Bergeron needs a little coaching to clean up his pass reps and penalties but should be drafted with confidence in round 2.
Where he fits in Dallas: Matthew Bergeron is an intriguing prospect for the Cowboys because he has tons of experience at both left and right tackle but lacks the length to be an elite tackle at the next level. This is where Dallas would then kick him inside at left guard and then if needed can be pushed outside as a swing tackle. The Cowboys have many questions across the offensive line which could be mitigated with the addition of a lineman such as Bergeron who is an offensive line utility knife.