Quebec native Matthew Bergeron became the first Syracuse Orange player taken on Friday in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Bergeron was selected by the 38th overall Atlanta Falcons, the highest an Orange player has been taken since Justin Pugh went in the first round in 2013.
While his ideal position is at left tackle, he told Spectrum News 1 earlier this month that he believes he is a versatile lineman that can play any position.
“I can play tackle, guard, right tackle," Bergeron said. "I’m smart enough to snap [and] smart enough to play center. So that’s pretty good.”
Defensive back Garrett Williams also came off the board on Friday night, going 72nd overall to the Arizona Cardinals.
Williams, who was a defensive leader for the Orange, is coming off a season-ending ACL injury.
The injury changed the draft process for Williams, who couldn’t participate in the combine or any pro days to show off for scouts.
Before the draft, he told Spectrum News 1 that for him, it came down to his discussions with teams.
“I have to kill it in the interviews," Williams said. "I have to show them I know what I’m talking about. I know ball, I know more than your average person. I have to be the best interviewee than anyone at the combine or anyone at my position.”