CB Aaron Berry (Pittsburgh) - Undrafted Free Agent
Another one of the bigger names in the Lions' group of undrafted free agents is Pittsburgh's Aaron Berry. Part of that is because Berry is a cornerback, and that is one of the most interesting positions on the roster for the Lions. Moves have been made to improve the cornerback position, including the decision to draft Amari Spievey, but with so much uncertainty, even an undrafted free agent may have a shot to make his mark in the secondary.
Experts' Opinions
Positives: Small yet quick cornerback who plays a big game. Displays good overall awareness, effectively reads receivers? eyes, and gets his head back around to locate the pass. Shows a nice break to the throw, effectively positions himself against opponents, and works hard to defend the pass or stop the run. Shows good overall recognition and picks up assignments in zone.
Negatives: Undersized, easily blocked from the action or out muscled by larger opponents. Lacks the great timed speed.
Analysis: Berry is a hard-charging defender always working to get involved in the action and make plays on the ball. His development last year was slowed with the shoulder injury, yet he has possibilities as a dime back who can play over a slot receiver in zone coverage.
Stats
2006: 2 tackles
2007: 19 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INT
2008: 41 tackles, 1 sack, 3 INT
2009: 31 tackles, 1 INT
Miscellaneous
- Berry hopes to work with children after playing in NFL (The Pitt News)
- Aaron Berry runs 4.3 40 at Pitt Panthers' Pro Day (The Patriot News)
- Q&A with Draft Nasty
Outlook for 2010
While there is uncertainty with the cornerback position, a few spots seem to be locked down by the likes of Amari Spievey, Chris Houston, and Jonathan Wade. Perhaps you could even include Dante Wesley in that group because of his special teams play, but the final couple of spots are really up for grabs. In that regard, Berry probably has one of the best opportunities to make the team out of all the undrafted free agents. Cornerback is wide open, so if he can show promise in the secondary and do well on special teams, I think he has a shot at making it.
Previously: Ndamukong Suh, Jahvid Best, Amari Spievey, Jason Fox, Willie Young, Tim Toone, Matt Clapp, Mike Moore, Contrevious Parks, Richard Dickson, Chima Ihekwoaba, Robert Callaway, Ryan Stamper