Nate Gerry, S
School: Nebraska | Conference: BIG-10
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 214 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Late Rounds
NFL Comparison: Rashad Johnson
College Statistics
Player Overview
Nate Gerry is an intriguing safety prospect for a couple of reasons. The dude is cut up and apparently showed up to the Senior Bowl in tip top shape. Gerry has the size and athleticism to arguably play both safety positions. He has consistent interception and passes defended production ever since he became a starter at Nebraska which is highly encouraging and suggests he really does see the field. What I think ultimately pushes Garry down the board so far is his inconsistent tackling technique and inconsistent play speed from a football standpoint.
Garry will also face a lot of questions about multiple suspensions during his time with the Huskers. One of which is academic related. He received a failing grade and said he “thought he would be thrown a bone" but it didn't happen and Garry was suspended for a bowl game this past year. The other is related to an undisclosed violation of team rules. Garry will have to answer a lot of questions about discipline, selfishness, and responsibility at the combine.
Strengths
- Great instincts for the position. It appears he really sees the field in its entirety when in coverage. Makes good breaks on the ball and finds himself in the right position.
- Plus hands hauling it some impressive interceptions.
- Proficient in zone coverage and understands space and angles.
Weaknesses
- A Decent athlete at the position but not a guy you can trust at this point to get on top of speedy NFL WRs. Gerry’s understanding of coverages could help mitigate some blown coverages but he isn't winning a footrace against Beckham Jr.
- Despite Gerry’s yolked up appearance I’d like him to put in some more work with strength training. It would help him fight through blocks and create more pop when he makes his tackles.
- Needs to would on his talking technique and consistency.
- Would like to see his takeaway production diversified more. Though Gerry was very consistent at breaking up passes this year his interception production came in bunches in two games.
Let’s see his work:
Cethan Carter & Nate Gerry are headed to the NFL combine. Lowest amount of #Huskers since 2013. So glad Bo's classes are finally processed.
— Husker Hype (@husker_hype) February 15, 2017
I think Nate Gerry will be a good fit at nickel and sub package linebacker at the next level. #gbr
— Scott Shanle (@scottshanle) February 15, 2017
Nate Gerry is going to test better, athletically, than people expect & is a very smart, technically sound player. Definitely under-rated https://t.co/rxuUPFfIKP
— Mike Margittai NFL (@DraftMaverick) January 31, 2017
Nate Gerry doesn't get much love, but I think he's going to be a really good starting NFL safety 1 day
— Daniel Parlegreco (@DTPDraftScout) January 31, 2017
Nebraska's Nate Gerry deserves more attention. LB turned safety. Graded very well this year. Sure tackler. Can fit as hybrid LB.
— Brent Sobleski (@brentsobleski) January 30, 2017
S Nate Gerry, #SeniorBowl
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) January 28, 2017
"No. 2 coverage grade in nation in both 2014 and 2016. Cut down on his missed tackles in 2016." @PFF_Steve pic.twitter.com/sLSKH4le2o
Nate Gerry has never bypassed the triceps extension machine. Dude has huge upper arms
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) January 24, 2017
Nebraska safey Nate Gerry just picked off Nate Peterman. Very instinctive. #seniorbowl
— Dan Leberfeld (@jetswhispers) January 26, 2017
#Bears meeting with Nate Gerry (S, Nebraska). #SeniorBowl
— Bryan Perez (@BryanPerezNFL) January 26, 2017
Nebraska's top senior prospect probably would've been SS Nate Gerry, but he's been suspended from the Music City Bowl for academics.
— Brian Carriveau (@BrianCarriveau) December 30, 2016
Nate Gerry ejected after BRUTAL hit (Vine by @HitStickTV) https://t.co/8aHDmPSI33
— Ragnard LodBrok (@MaddenDrizzy) November 9, 2016
One of the nation's best safeties - Nebraska's Nate Gerry - with the quick close on the ball in quarters pic.twitter.com/lZ0M0xwBcH
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) August 9, 2016
How He Would Fit On The Redskins
Gerry is a converted linebacker who does have the mental ability and smarts to play the safety position at the next level. He isn’t an elite athlete but his understanding of coverages and space will allow him to make some plays at the next level. Gerry is going to have to catch on with a team with his efforts on special teams. I am confident he can work his way onto an active roster that way. It will give the kid time to progress and work on some of the physical aspects of his game. While he won’t get any faster some project Gerry at the more and more common S/LB hybrid role. If that's the case I think he will really have to work on his strength training and add a few more pounds. Probably more importantly he needs to become more consistent and refined in his tackling technique.
As far as his fit on the Redskins I can’t see him being more than the special teams player I mentioned. Gerry has the potential to work his way into a solid backup role as either a SS or a S/LB hybrid but I think his lack of physical skills at this time will be exploited by NFL WR’s and RBs. Now is the time to insert my proverbial caveat of “that doesn’t mean he can’t get better”. He can but it will take a few years of development with a patient team with a good defensive staff.