(Flowery Branch) Day two of Falcons rookie mini-camp was Matthew Bergeron’s third day as left guard.
A tackle with Syracuse, the 23-year-old Quebecer was drafted in the second round by Atlanta last month, 38e in total.
Having worked as a guard at the Senior Bowl, Bergeron knew the Falcons were considering bringing him more inside.
The trade with Indianapolis showed that the Falcons see the athlete from Victoriaville as an immediate candidate for a starting position.
The left guard position is available as Elijah Wilkinson has signed with Arizona as a free agent.
“I don’t put pressure on myself,” Bergeron said of expecting to play or be a starter as a rookie. I’m going to give 110% every day and see where it takes me. »
The Falcons have in mind that the six-foot-five, 318-pound guy has the athleticism to make up for the inexperience.
“I think I’m doing well,” Bergeron said after practice on Saturday.
He said the most demanding part is the speed required to play as a guard.
It really is faster. At the guardhouse, everything happens right away. You have to move faster with your hands and feet.
Matthew Bergeron
Jovaughn Gwynn, a seventh-round pick from South Carolina, can be a center or guard candidate.
When the veterans join the rookies for mini-camp and camp this summer, Matt Hennessey, Justin Shaffer and Jalen Mayfield will also be competing for left guard.
Shaffer, a 2022 draft pick, is attending rookie mini-camp.
Bergeron is eager to learn from veterans, including starting right guard Chris Lindstrom.
“I exchanged a few messages with Chris,” said Bergeron. He just congratulated me and told me that we were going to get to work.
“I told him that I’m very happy to be able to learn from him, one of the best guards in the league. »
Bergeron impressed GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith with his robust style of play, especially on ground games, with Syracuse.
PHOTO BRYNN ANDERSON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Falcons head coach Arthur Smith
Smith mentioned that Bergeron has the right instincts.
Bergeron said he will fit in well at this club where the focus is on running.
This orientation was confirmed when we turned to running back Bijan Robinson, the eighth overall pick.
“The mentality of the team is to run with the ball and I’m delighted to be part of that,” said Bergeron.
Bergeron said Robinson is a great guy who knows how to be humble.
“We quickly established links,” said Bergeron. I can’t wait to block for him, in training or in games. »