Does a great job of reading the quarterback’s eyes
Gets out of backpedal cleanly and breaks on ball
Soft hands
Good route recognition
Doesn’t miss tackles
Elite range in pass coverage
Turns INTs into TDs
Aggressive against the run
Closes in on ball-carrier quickly
Scheme and position versatility (FS or SS)
Plays through pain
Elite skill set
Very intelligent
Nice work ethic
Weaknesses:
Lacks some upper body strength
Average height
Inconsistent when taking angles against the run
Could perfect his backpedal as he has a tendency to get too high
Left shoulder needs to check out medically
Summary: Eric Berry is an elite talent and a top-10 pick. It is as simple as that, barring injury next season. Berry is one of those few individuals where it just seems like this is what he was born to do. He is a natural on the football field with the intangibles to boot. He will also be coached by one of the best defensive coordinators of all time in Monte Kiffin who knows how to coach the strong safety position (John Lynch and Jermaine Phillips).
What really impresses me about Berry is he reportedly played all of the 2008 season with a nagging shoulder injury, which he then had surgery on in December. Berry is the No. 1 prospect in the 2010 NFL Draft, in my opinion.
Player Comparison: Ed Reed. Both players are 5-11 with a surreal knack for the game of football and have the ball skills, range, and playmaking ability you look for.
Miami quarterback Cam Ward looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Charlie Campbell
Walt