Berry vs. Okung: the Showdown.

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What happened to me?

I’m a draftnik! I love the NFL Draft! I live for it. It is the most exciting time of the year for me, it’s my annual Super Bowl that the Chiefs make every year. So the Combine should be my Christmas, right? It should be the pinnacle of activity — this is the last real chance to get the players out there and get some movement on the bigboards. Many players look neck-and-neck to me every year — and the Combine will put my indecision to rest. It’s a celebration of promise and potential and for better days ahead.

So why has it bummed me out so much this year?

Because it has become very clear that Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung will be our pick.

It is just becoming too obvious. The Combine has effecitvely eliminated Rolando McClain from consideration as a Top 10 pick. He chose not to run the 40, and his workouts were poor. And these are things that matter to Pioli — you simply don’t go with a devalued position like a 3-4 inside linebacker unless that kid has elite speed. And it is now clear since McClain has decided not to run the 40 exactly how likely it is that he does not have that speed. Which means he won’t be able to cover terribly well, which could make him a two-down player. I think he has effectively killed off any chance of being selected by the Chiefs with a Top 10 pick.

Okung, on the other hand, has not only pulled away from the rest of the tackles in this year’s Draft with his killer work at the Combine, but he’s singled himself out in my mind, despite my many protests, to be the most likely selection by the Chiefs. He knew he had to be a workout warrior, and he nailed it, by golly. He ran pretty well, but physically he was perfect, his arms are prototypical LT stuff, and despite his long arms, he still outlifted the entire field of tackles (long arms are a disadvantage in lifting).

I don’t know if Okung is the real deal (his scheme still frightens me), but there’s no question that he looks like it to Pioli and our scouts. The only other tackle that matches his level of ability is Bruce Campbell, who I actually like more but he’s a boom-or-bust guy destined for Oakland.

The Combine has cleared the mist, and our prospects are looking much clearer:

Bradford is likely headed to St. Louis.
Detroit and the Bucs are in love with McCoy and Suh.
Shanahan’s history points with 99% certainty that he wants Clausen.
Haden is likely doomed to fall out of the Top 10 with a sub 4.5 forty yard dash. Ouch. I did not see that coming.
McClain, well…
Dan Williams is probably in the Top 10 now, but I don’t think the Chiefs reach for him.
Jason Pierre-Paul did not look like the freak athlete he was advertised as, and is probably out of the Top 10.

Now, it’s not all predestined. The wildcard here is Eric Berry. With Bradford and Clausen nearly-destined to go in the Top 4, we are likely heading towards a decision between Eric Berry (my #1 preference in this Draft) or Russell Okung (NOOOOOOO…).

The monumental nature of this decision cannot be overstated. Okung is a great specimen, and the safest pick in the Draft, decently upgrading two positions on our woeful offensive line. Berry is an intelligent attack dog on the field that can be the team-leading game-changer that only elite safeties can be.

The conservative fans who pine for the days of Roaf, Waters, and Shields, want Okung. The more ambitious fans who want to pave a new path want Berry.

Okung is the trenches guy that Pioli loves above all others. Berry is the fiery playmaker that Haley adores.

Okung is your foundation. Berry is your sizzle.

And there can only be one.

Kris

Should we maybe be looking at this from the reverse perspective? Rather than LT vs. FS with our first choice, what about looking at where we get the better value in rounds 2 or 3? Whichever position is a better value in 2/3, draft the opposite with the #5 pick?? Just a thought.

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tommyhawk

Andrew - I just don't see your logic. Drafting Okung or another beast for the LT spot is the dream. If he is worth his salt, think of the changes this will afford the offense. More creases for Mr. Charles, hopefully a bigger hole now and again for a bigger back. Time for Cassel to throw - gosh would that make a difference - 10.4!! It's not fun and it's not flashy, I get that, but LT at #5 stands to be a more positive move IMO.

Andrew Crocker

I completely disagree with the analysts, Ehud. Suh isn't built like an NT -- he is a gap penetrator, not a space eater. We might as well Draft a safety and play them at running back.

I'm not going to defend Bradford, Merlin, because I have serious questions about him (I wouldn't come within five miles of him with a Top 10 pick). Clausen has proven, however, that he doesn't have Flacco's arm or Rothlessberger's mobility, but he can make all the throws and do it in an NFL offense surrounded by mediocre-to-decent talent with one stud at WR. I don't need to see him throw in shorts.

It's different with McClain, who wasn't particularly good in coverage in college. For me, that's a question that needs to be resolved: was it coaching or was it a lack of genuine athleticism? Electing not to run sends a very clear message to me on the subject.

Ehud

Merlin:

McClain not performing at the combine does raise questions.

Andrew:

Suh weighed in at the combine at 307lbs. and the analysts at the NFL Network (not saying they are right, just saying) say that Suh could play the 3-4 NT.

merlin

"McClain is a two-down guy who can’t cover, it seems"

Only in your mind, Andrew. Let's extend your analysis a bit further. Bradford and Claussen didn't throw at the Combine. Therefore, there are real questions if they can throw. Obviously, it clear that they can't and should only play on running plays.

chiefsfan567

Shanahan told cambell ges in their plans for yhe future so i think they take russell cuz he did have such a good combine. Dont agree rams Will take bradford think suh Is Still a good option. I think pioli pulls the trigger if berry Is there to good To pass on.

McClain is a two-down guy who can't cover, it seems. ILB generally isn't worth the #5 overall by itself, and it definitely isn't if you're a two-down guy.

Shanahan loved Cutler, whom essentially Clausen is a slightly less talented, but slightly less abrasive verson of.

Don't count McClain out.

jeremyriversideca

Redksins go OT with Number four and trade for Michael Vick.

Just a hunch.

Shane

I would be comfortable with Berry at #5. I would also be comfortable with Okung as well. Last year on this sight all I heard was how bad we needed an OT and everybody was pissed that we took Jackson. Now this year I hear several people say waiste a #5 pick on an OT/possible LT. Not sure about you but I remember the days of Roaf, Shields, and the rest of that O line that was and probably always will be one of the best O lines ever. If we can get our line even close to that line we actually might see what talent MC has and we already know what talent JC has. Throw in Sproles/Boldin and we might be back in the top 5 of offenses in the league.

Suh is slightly south of 300 lbs. He cannot play nose.

I have no idea why Shanahan would enter into another season with Jason Campbell when he can get his own guy in Clausen to quarterback. It makes no sense.

And the Lions like Jeff Backus. They want a defensive tackle.