Zeke Berry, S, Michigan: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Name |
Zeke Berry |
|
Position |
Defensive Back (S / NB) |
|
Number |
10 |
|
Class |
Senior |
|
School |
Michigan |
|
Height / Weight |
5’11” / 196 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Pittsburg, Calif. / De La Salle HS |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Defensive Performance & Passing Game Disruptions
|
Season |
Team |
G |
Tackles |
TFL |
INT |
PD / FF |
|
2022 |
Michigan |
2 |
0 |
0.0 |
0 |
0 / 0 |
|
2023 |
Michigan |
8 |
4 |
0.0 |
0 |
0 / 0 |
|
2024* |
Michigan |
13 |
37 |
1.5 |
1 |
4 / 1 |
|
2025* |
Michigan |
14 |
33 |
2.0 |
1 |
10 / 0 |
|
Total |
37 |
74 |
3.5 |
2 |
14 / 1 |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on historic California high school track sprinting performance, verified EA Sports ratings, and physical change-of-direction twitch.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.40 – 4.48s
- Vertical Jump: 36.5″ – 38.5″
- Broad Jump: 10’2″ – 10’6″
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.08 – 4.22s
- 3-Cone Drill: 6.82 – 6.96s
4. Scouting & Transfer Notes
Background Profile
Berry arrived in Ann Arbor carrying high-end four-star credentials out of the historic De La Salle High School pipeline in California, where he operated as a true multi-phase playmaker across both secondary configurations and track sprints. He preserved structural eligibility paths during Michigan’s 2022 and 2023 championship runs, earning loops on high-stakes coverage units before fully breaking into the lineup in 2024.
Berry exploded into a structural asset that season, tallying 37 tackles, forcing a fumble, and claiming the program’s Defensive Skill Player of the Year honors. He built upon that performance during the 2025 stretch, securing Second-Team All-Big Ten recognition while pacing the back third with a team-leading 10 passes defended. Following an off-season cycle where he briefly explored transfer options during coaching revisions, Berry officially returned to Ann Arbor for the 2026 stretch to serve as the structural field general alongside Jyaire Hill in a dominant secondary room.
Key Strengths
- Premium Multi-Alignment Utility: Exceptional defensive positional fluidness, carrying verified starting structural mileage at both nickel/slot configurations and perimeter boundary spots.
- Elite Spatial Pass Breakup Instincts: Weaponizes outstanding closing twitch and visual processing to impact target lanes, pacing the 2025 defense with 10 passes defended.
- Highly Physical Downhill Operator: Plays with an aggressive, low-centered competitive temperament that thrives when sifting through perimeter blocks to deconstruct run structures.
- Blue-Chip Championship Continuity: Heavily seasoned 37-game veteran who has adapted cleanly across multiple modern high-level defensive coordinator schemes.
Developmental Focus
Because Berry carries a more compact 5’11”, 196-pound frame layout, professional personnel groups will closely track his step-by-step leverage preservation against high-mass, physical perimeter targets. Continuing to maximize his functional press-jam upper-body authority ensures he won’t be pushed out of throwing windows downfield. Additionally, maintaining precise tactical discipline against heavy play-action concepts when dropping down into modern run fits will lock in his grade as an elite, scheme-diverse three-down nickel or safety asset at the next level.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
*pending*
All-Star Game Notes
*pending*
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
*pending*