Why Detroit Should Consider Eric Berry With the Second Overall Pick

The great debate in Detroit over the past few weeks has been whether the Lions should consider Eric Berry with the second overall pick. I’m all for taking Eric Berry second overall (if Ndamukong Suh is off the board). Eric Berry presents the play making ability that the Lions severely lack on defense.

Now many people would argue that Detroit already has a great safety with Louis Delmas, and I completely agree with that. The difference between the two is the coverage skills and versatility Berry possesses. Eric Berry can line up all over the field, such as how the Steelers use Troy Polamalu. Berry can play the run just as good as he can play the pass. In his three years at Tennessee, Berry totaled 241 tackles, two forced fumbles, 14 interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns.

Why should the Detroit Lions pass over a player such as Gerald Mccoy (DT from Oklahoma) or Russell Okung (LT from Oklahoma State)? These are the reasons why Detroit should pass over these two players and select Eric Berry.

1. The new NFC North

The NFC North isn’t the smash mouth division it once was. The days of running the rock are long gone. The Packers, Vikings, and Bears all attempted at least 553 passes this year. The Bears finished with 563 (eighth in the NFL), and the Packers and Vikings finishing with 553 (tied for 10th in the NFL). The rushing attempts by each team are as follows: the Vikings with 467 attempts (ninth in the NFL), the Packers with 438 (15th in the NFL), and the Bears with 373 (29th in the NFL).

2. The worst secondary in the NFL

It’s no secret that the Lions have the worst secondary in the NFL, but the stats just speak for themselves. The Lions gave up an average of 265.6 passing yards a game to opposing QBs, which is the worst in the NFL. Sure you can argue that the Lions couldn’t generate any sort of pass rush, but you can’t argue that the Lions did give up at least three deep bombs a game because of blown coverages.

3. The Depth of this year’s DT class

The depth of this year’s DT class is ridiculous. There are at least eight DTs that could be immediate starters for their teams. I don’t expect all eight DTs to be taken in the first round. Some players that I believe could slip into the second round or even third round are Brian Price, Jared Odrick, and Lamarr Houston.

4. LT isn’t the biggest need for Detroit

Let’s face it. The coaching staff is in love with Jeff Backus. I don’t see the Lions drafting a LT this year with their first pick. The offensive line for Detroit didn’t give up as many sacks this year and actually looked pretty decent in the run game, but they’re still one of the worst units in the league. The biggest need on the offensive line is at LG, which could be addressed in rounds two or three depending on who is available at those picks. For example, if Mike Iupati is there when Detroit picks in round two, they have to take him, even over a DT.

5. The Combination of Berry and Delmas

With Eric Berry and Louis Delmas in the same backfield, how could you complain? If Detroit does draft Eric Berry, the Lions would have the best young safety duo in the NFL. Both players are great against the run and pass. Having two great safeties, the Lions could blitz more with the confidence that neither will get torched. Delmas and Berry would anchor the Lion’s defensive backfield for the next six to 10 years.

6. Eric Berry Turnovers

Eric Berry has a knack for creating turnovers, and what he does after he creates those turnovers is amazing. Eric Berry is an elite athlete, and that shows when he has the ball in his hands. Berry scored three touchdowns off of interceptions in his three years at Tennessee. With his ability to make plays with the ball, he also creates the opportunity to set our offense up with great field position, even if he doesn’t score.

With the  NFC North becoming pass first and run second I wouldn’t disagree with the Lions management if they took Eric Berry 2^nd overall. Eric Berry is a top notch prospect and almost a “sure thing.” I hate using that phrase, but the talent Berry has its hard to disagree.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r8q8aYIyFc

^ Berry Highlights