Round 1, Pick 5 - Kansas City Chiefs - Eric Berry

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Eric Berry, S/CB, Tennessee

Ht: 5’ 11 5/8” Wt: 211

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  With the left tackle and quarterback positions secure, the Chiefs selected the best player available.  Berry is a dynamic playmaker and should be able to help the Chiefs defensive backfield immediately.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  One of the more gifted safeties to emerge from the college ranks in the last decade, Berry is an impact, ballhawking secondary leader with a special combination of athletic ability and instincts. Plays with a physical, old- school mentality but has superb coverage capabilities desired in the new generation of safeties. Can roam center field, bang in the box or line up in the slot and handle man and zone coverage. Bulked up prior to the Combine without detracting from his speed or agility, and outstanding workout solidified his standing as the top defensive back in the draft.

NFL projection: Top-10 pick

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Berry is an interesting prospect because he was an elite high school cornerback who was switched to safety at Tennessee, but from evaluating his play he is best suited to make the switch back to cornerback to become the top level player he has the athleticism to be.  I was shocked when evaluating Berry at how few plays he was consistently involved in from a safety alignment, but was clearly more productive when he came closer to the LOS and lined up and covered the “Slot” receiver in M/M coverage.  Overall, Berry is going to be drafted in a 1^st round because he has rare athleticism but I am very confident that if he is played at safety he will struggle with consistency and will not be highly productive.  While he has everything it takes to be an elite cornerback once he learns the nuances and improves his footwork/technique.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Because of less-than-ideal size, some scouts view Berry as a potential NFL cornerback.  While he possesses the unique blend of agility, straight-line speed and ball skills for that position, considering the impact players such as Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, Darren Sharper and Brian Dawkins have had in recent seasons, the value of safeties has never been higher. 

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

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