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Matt Goncalves Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Tough run blocker
- Contributes well in the ground game
- Can manipulate and tie up defenders in run blocking
- Sustains blocks to ride defenders
- Strong hands
- Physical
- Reliable pass protector
- Can sustain blocks on edge rushers
- Big frame
- Anchors well against bull rushes
- Quality technique
- Fires off the line
- Hits blocks downfield, in space
- Good at pulling
- Awareness
Weaknesses:
- Average athlete
- Lacks foot quickness
- Less than ideal feet for a tackle
- Less than ideal athleticism for a tackle
- Short arms – 33.25 inches
- Could have problems with fast NFL edge rushers
- Coming off season-ending injury
Prospect Summary:
Leading up to the 2023 season, it was well-known in the scouting community that the 2024 NFL Draft looked like it had the potential to be an excellent year to land an offensive tackle prospect. Goncalves was one of the tackles who was viewed as having the potential to be a pick in the top of the 2024 NFL Draft after a good 2022 season blocking for Pittsburgh. Goncalves had started at left and right tackle for the Panthers and looked like a good candidate to be a right tackle or guard at the pro level. In September of 2023, a leg injury caused Goncalves to have season-ending surgery.
As a run blocker, Goncalves is strong and physical. He is a fighter who has some nastiness to him. Goncalves definitely is not a finesse edge blocker who shies away from getting violent with defenders. Goncalves can get into the chest of defensive linemen and get a push on them to move them backward or out of their gap. At other times, Goncalves uses his strength to turn and manipulate defenders to keep them out of the play. On the edge and to the second level, Goncalves shows some quickness to get into the second level of the defense, and when he gets a hold of linebackers, he will punish them into the turf or ride them around field. Goncalves has the ability to play in either a power-man or a zone-blocking scheme.
In pass protection, Goncalves did a nice job of handling many edge rushers. He has strength and latches on well to sustain blocks. Goncalves sets up solidly to take on rushers, and defenders can struggle to get loose of him once he has clamped on, even losing on second efforts. Generally, Goncalves is dependable at not allowing pressure. However, he has some limited athleticism to go along with short arms. His limited athletic ability and lack of foot quickness are problems for taking on fast NFL edge rushers. Thus, Goncalves might be better off moving inside to guard as a pro.
Goncalves could be a second-day pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, depending on how teams feel about his medical status. The medical issues could potentially push him into Day 3.
Prospect Comparison:
Ben Cleveland. Goncalves reminds me of Cleveland coming out of Georgia. Cleveland had been a guard/tackle with the Bulldogs before settling in as a starting guard for the Ravens. I could see Goncalves being a power right guard in the NFL similar to Cleveland.
RELATED LINKS:
NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
