Falcons Guard Included Among PFF’s Top Linemen ‘Positioned to Break Out in 2025’

The Falcons have earned a reputation for developing young offensive line talent in recent years. Chris Lindstrom has evolved into the best guard in the league, especially when it comes to clearing running lanes. Kaleb McGary slots in in the top-half of tackles in run blocking.

Following the departure of center Drew Dalman in free agency, the most impressive lineman still on the team has to be left guard Matthew Bergeron. PFF‘s Dalton Wasserman included Bergeron among his top 6 offensive linemen “positioned to break out in 2025,” writing that the Falcons standout could “break into the top 10” at the position this year.

Falcons’ Matthew Bergeron Ready for Breakout Season

After a season in which Bergeron stepped up and “made big strides,” according to PFF‘s Mason Cameron, the 3rd-year guard “appears to be on the same development curve” as their other offensive linemen. If he can continue along that same curve, Bergeron could follow in Lindstrom’s footprints and propel himself toward the top at his position group.

Cameron’s colleague, Dalton Wasserman, praises the Falcons’ ability to teach outside-zone run blocking as one of the ‘core elements’ of their offensive line development. His 555 outside-zone run blocking reps lead all guards over the past two seasons. He’s been especially impressive on such reps, earning the 12th-highest PPF run blocking grade (78.2) “among the 66 guards with at least 100 outside-zone reps in that span.”

He allowed 33 pressures and 3 sacks in 2024, so there is still room for improvement in pass protection. But, those numbers represented a step forward compared to 2023, when he surrendered 6 sacks and earned a 57.1 pass blocking PFF grade.

“Bergeron has proven that he can excel within Atlanta’s core concepts,” writes Wasserman. “That ability made him a top-20 guard in the league last season. If he can make another jump in pass protection and commit a few fewer penalties, he could break into the top 10 this season.”

One of the key components in Bergeron’s development could be his work with his elite teammate, Chris Lindstrom. 2025 will be his third season playing next to Lindstrom, who Cameron describes as “as dominant a force on the interior as they come.”

Bergeron Eager for Chance to Continue Improving

According to Spotrac, Bergeron is the 55th-highest-paid guard in the league this year, based on his cap hit. His cap hit will jump back up above $1.9 million in 2026, but the Falcons have 2 more years of team control on his rookie deal.

“Bergeron was not a popular pick at the time, but the former Syracuse standout has solidified the left guard position over the last two seasons in Atlanta,” writes Matt Urben of Falcons Wire. But Urben points out that Bergeron “is a major bargain at $2.4 million.”

“Bergeron improved in every facet last season, leading to a 70.9 PFF overall grade that represented a big increase from his 59.1 figure the prior year,” writes Wasserman. His development in the run game has led to Bergeron finally joining Lindstrom on PFF’s top 30 list this season, slotting in at No. 23.

Bergeron is well-positioned to continue improving within the Falcons offense this season. The most important ability for some linemen is availability, and Bergeron has started all 34 games in his first 2 seasons.