Player Profile: Eric Berry

Ed Zurga/AP Photo

Coming out of the 2010 draft, Eric Berry was the fifth overall pick, and the third defensive player taken. But most scouts agreed that he was the best defensive back in the draft and some even said he was the best defensive player in the draft.

Berry was a college standout at Tennessee. He was a two-time All American, a two-time Jack Tatum award winner (top college defensive back in college), a Jim Thorpe award winner (also defensive back), along with many other collegiate awards. For more information, just check out his video.

The Chiefs in 2009 were 30th in the league in total defense, 22nd in the league in pass defense, and 31st in the league in rush defense. These numbers were unacceptable and Pioli knew that he had to do something about it in the draft. And that's why Eric Berry was taken in the first round.

Since Romeo Crennel has taken over this defense, we have improved in every defensive category. We have moved from 22nd to 19th in passing defense, from 31st to 12th in run defense, and from 30th to 11th in total defense. These improvements are extraordinary but all the credit can't go to the coach; after all, it's the players that perform. And Eric Berry is a very important player for our improving defense.

Although Berry has blown some coverages, mostly deep routes, he has also made some spectacular plays. And remember, he's a rookie, he's going to make some mistakes. But he will learn from those mistakes, as he already seems to be doing. He's an exciting young player and he could very easily be the best player at his position for the entire league in a few years.