2010 NFL Draft: Is a Safety Worth a Top 10 Pick?

Is a Safety Worthy of a Top 10 Pick?

Now that Eric Berry is a new member of the Kansas City Chiefs I want to examine whether it’s wise to select a safety in the top 10.  I am going to outline the last few safety’s to go in the top 10 and also discuss Berry’s chances for success.  What do you think? We want to hear you opinions.

There is no doubting Eric Berry’s playmaking ability.  He was the SEC freshman of the year and was a unanimous back to back All American team member.  Over his career he tallied 14 interceptions and averaged 81 tackles over his 3 years at Tennessee.  Berry is an excellent athlete and has utilized that ability to make a difference on the football field.  Many argue that Berry possesses the skills to play cornerback, skills that have made him more versatile.  Berry is also a high character guy and was voted Captain both this sophomore and junior seasons.  Even with all those positives is it wise to select a safety in the top 10?  Let alone the top 5?

The most recent top 10 safety selections are Laron Landry (Washington Redskins), Michael Huff (Oakland Raiders), and Donte Whitner (Buffalo Bills).   These three have a combined 11 interceptions over their careers, which is far from dynamic and difference making.  Both Huff and Whitner have been replaced in the starting lineups, at some point in their career, and are not guaranteed to get those jobs back.  All three players have been subject of trade rumors, which usually signal that both the fans and management are not sold on their future with the franchise.

Now we all know the impact that safeties Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed, and Brian Dawkins have had on their respective defenses.  The question is would you select one of them in the top 10?  Nothing against Eric Berry but is he, or anyone for that matter, a can’t miss NFL star?  My personal feeling is that Berry will be an impact player and I would absolutely use a top 10 pick on him.  Dynamic players/leaders like Berry can make the difference for a defense.  Berry’s new teammates and coaches will welcome him and expect great things.  But there is still that possibility that the Chiefs will be burned by another highly drafted safety.