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Berry, Fisher make list of top prospects

For those with ESPN Insider access, draft analyst Todd McShay has a piece ranking his top 32 prospectsInsider from the past four drafts plus this year. It should be of interest to their fans because the Kansas City Chiefs had the fifth pick in the 2010 draft (and selected strong safety Eric Berry) and the top overall choice last year (when they picked tackle Eric Fisher).

Both Berry and Fisher appear in McShay’s top 32. Berry is the 12th-ranked prospect from the past five drafts, this year’s included, while Fisher is 23rd.

McShay’s comments about Berry at the time have played out since he joined the Chiefs. Berry is a three-time Pro Bowler, missing only after the 2011 season. He missed all but a handful of plays that season because of a torn ACL.

“Very high football IQ . . . Explodes out of backpedal and can eat up cushions in a flash . . . Relentless in pursuit [in run support], shows above-average range and always seems to be around the ball at the end of the play . . . Dangerous open-field runner.’’

The Chiefs passed on some others on McShay’s list in order to draft Berry: Tackle Russell Okung (17 on McShay’s list), cornerback Joe Haden (25), safety Earl Thomas (27) and wide receiver Dez Bryant (28). But it’s difficult to argue with the selection of Berry. He’s been a big playmaker for the Chiefs.

Fisher’s appearance on McShay’s list is a little bit of an upset given the relative weakness of last year’s draft. The Chiefs passed on others on McShay’s list in order to draft Fisher: tackle Luke Joeckel (20), defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (26) and cornerback Dee Milliner (29).

Fisher didn’t play like a prized prospect last season as a rookie. But he showed athletic skills uncommon for a player his size and once he gets stronger it’s reasonable to believe he will eventually become a solid player.