Fansided
Fansided

NFL Draft prospect watch: Nebraska S Nate Gerry

By Sayre Bedinger

Sep 12, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers safety Nate Gerry (25) celebrates his pass interception with tackle Chase Urbach (92) during the game against the South Alabama Jaguars in the fist half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers safety Nate Gerry (25) celebrates his pass interception with tackle Chase Urbach (92) during the game against the South Alabama Jaguars in the fist half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

2017 NFL Draft prospect watch: Taking a look at Nebraska safety and Jim Thorpe watch list player Nate Gerry, one of the top defensive backs in America…

Simply put, Nebraska safety Nate Gerry is a playmaker.

Since his days at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this young ascending star has been willing and able to do whatever his coaches have asked, and it’s going to soon translate to high marks from NFL coaches and scouts, who will all want to have him on their team.

"#B1G West DB rankings, according to @BTNTomDienhart:1. @HawkeyeFootball2. @Huskers3-7. https://t.co/YTy54BxmK3 https://t.co/4UIkbozUsC— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) July 8, 2016"

Gerry is built like Adrian Peterson at 6-2, 220 pounds and is a team leader, captain, and one of the most intense players you’ll find in all of college football.

He is a former high school receiver and safety who has natural hands and a great feel for the game, showing off incredible football instincts and a competitive drive that can at times alter the feel of a game.

Gerry’s hard hits and nose for the football landed him on the Jim Thorpe award watch list this pre-season, and he was an All-Big 10 selection in 2014 and 2015.

So why would this guy be on your NFL Draft radar? His combination of size, speed, instincts, and production are going to draw NFL scouts in. He’s the type of consistent football player that every team covets, and his work ethic is clearly not a question mark of any kind. He led his team in tackles a year ago with 78 total stops, but has led the Huskers in interceptions two years running as well.

More from NFL Mocks

Over the course of the last two seasons, he’s gotten his hands on nine interceptions, has forced three fumbles, and has broken up an additional 11 passes. He is able to play physical at the line of scrimmage, but can also drop into coverage and play center field.

He certainly has growing to do in some areas of his game, but he’s a player that is always willing to be coached and get better.

I think over the next year, NFL scouts are going to fall in love with his game. Coaches are going to love him in the pre-draft process, and if he shows out athletically, he could be a first or second round pick. He’s just a complete player who does all the little things well, and is capable of making game-changing plays for your secondary.

Home/NFL Draft