With the fifth pick in the 2010 BGN Draft, awd777 selects...
Eric Berry - S, Tennessee
My selection of Eric Berry to the Kansas City Chiefs should not come off as a huge shock to anyone. The Chiefs defense was an abomination in 2009, ranking 29th in points scored against (26.5), 30th in total yards against (388.2), 22nd in passing yards against (231.7), and 31st in rushing yards against (156.5). Given the fact that the Chiefs have already invested a healthy sum of money in their quarterback of the future, Matt Cassel, and a that they already have a promising running back on their roster by the name of Jamaal Charles, defense must take precedence in Kansas City’s draft. So, with the top two defensive players already off the board (Suh and McCoy), Berry seems to be the obvious choice.
Berry, nicknamed "The Fifth Dimension," began his college career as a nickelback for the Tennessee Volunteers, but was quickly moved to strong safety where he would remain for the rest of his college days. Berry terrorized opposing offenses, racking up awards and accolades that include two unanimous All-American selections, the Jim Thorpe Award, two Jack Tatum awards, and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Berry left college leading all players in total interceptions (14), interceptions per game average (0.4), and total interception return yards (494). Perhaps almost as impressive as his defensive statistics, Berry has been compared to future HOFer Ed Reed by draft analysts such as Mel Kiper Jr.
Facts and statistics aside, I do believe that Berry is a top 3 defensive talent playing a position that is not always considered a high priority in many defenses. In fact, the late Sean Taylor is the only safety drafted in the first five picks since Eric Turner in 1991. Still, I think Eric Berry is different. Berry could be a tremendous anchor for a defensive backfield that desperately needs an upgrade. The real-life dilemma would be convincing Chiefs general manager, Scott Pioli, that Berry is worth the fifth pick in the draft. Some may argue for Bryan Bulaga or Trent Williams as a safe/positional pick to protect their $63 million investment, but putting on my fantasy GM shoes, Eric Berry is the choice that I would make
Next on the clock will be soman319 with the Seattle Seahawks.
Previous picks: #1 Ndamukong Suh, #2 Russell Okung, #3 Gerald McCoy, #4 Sam Bradford