Leonard Little went in round 3.
Dale Carter went at number 20.
Robert Ayers went at number 18.
Albert Haynesworth went at number 15
Shaun Ellis went at number 12.
Jerod Mayo went at number 10.
John Henderson went at number 8.
Jamal Lewis went at number 4.
Reggie White went number 4 in the supplemental draft.
Heath Shuler went at number 3.
Peyton Manning went at number 1.
I'd rate Eric Berry right behind Peyton Manning, and I'd only do that because Manning has the advantage of being the QB.
Berry is one of the best players I"ve ever seen. He's a lock top 5 pick, and I think he's the best player in the country. He could go number one, but a safety probably will not go that high. He will be the best player on some boards for sure. Ed Reed talks to him on the phone and says that he admires his game. Berry is a very humble person, and an elite, elite football player.
The team that gets him, if he stays healthy, will get a Hall of Fame player and person. Berry will redefine the position, because he can do it all. He runs like a deer and can cover man to man (WR or TE) He has great range and elite instincts. He's a ballhawk and makes plays on the ball and will run it back on you in a heartbeat. His ball skills are elite. He doesn't interfere with the WR. You can play him in the slot, in the box, or deep. Berry is a sure tackler, and he hits like an elite linebacker (see Dick Butkus). If the ball is on the ground, he will find it and pick it up and go.
Berry has two younger brothers, and he says they are better than he was at their age. The recruiting war is already on for them between Tennessee and Georgia.
Monte Kiffin has played Berry close to the line of scrimmage this year. He's played some CB, too. Berry hasn't lived deep in coverage like he did his first two years. That is why his pick total is so low this year. He's playing close to the line and blitzing more. He forced a fumble at the end of the game today and gave the Vols a chance.
I don't want to trade Bennett, but I do want Berry. I know the Cowboys need some LTs, too.
Berry was ready to play in the NFL as a true Sophomore. If he stays healthy, he'll be a 10 time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer.