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Nat Berhe Could be Ace Up Steve Spagnuolo’s Sleeve in 2015 for New York Giants

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By @chriswgamble

Getty Images

Getty Images

When the New York Giants selected Nat Berhe with the first of their two fifth round picks in the 2014 NFL Draft, most fans hadn’t heard of him. However, head coach Tom Coughlin and GM Jerry Reese both referred to Berhe as a “football player” when asked about him after the draft. For those that follow football religiously that is a pretty good compliment.

Berhe could see a big increase in playing time in 2015, especially if Antrel Rolle isn’t re-signed. Even if the Giants bring Rolle back, the new, or is it old, defense under Steve Spagnuolo should have plenty of schemes for a player like Berhe.

In college at San Diego State, Berhe showed how versatile he was. He played a linebacker/safety hybrid and also lined up as the slot corner at times. He doesn’t have blazing speed but he makes up for that with a cerebral approach to the game that allows him to get into position at just the right time. He is also a physical player who is willing to give up his body to deliver a huge hit. He plays much bigger than his 5-foot, 10-inch, 200-pound frame. He is very similar to the man he could replace, Antrel Rolle, in that neither are big guys with blazing speed. Both have great instinct and both can play all over the field.

It is Berhe’s physicality and ability to play all over the football field that could make him an ace up Spagnuolo’s sleeve this season. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him line up at linebacker, as a corner, or in either safety spot. He should also prove invaluable on special teams.

One comparison that was thrown around for Berhe after the Giants drafted him was former Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders. Sanders had himself a nice career in the NFL despite being only 5’8” but Sanders was also faster than Berhe. Sanders, at one point in his career, was running 4.3 40-yard dashes while Berhe clocked in at 4.71 at the combine last year. However, Berhe has better instincts that allow him to be in better position. Berhe though is just as capable of delivering punishing hits on opponents like Sanders did in his prime.

The 2014 season showed Berhe has more to learn. However, he also showed promise in practices and could show the Giants exactly what kind of player he can be with a strong camp. If Berhe puts it all together this season the Giants’ defense could be much deeper and just a little more devastating on anyone trying to go over the middle. There is still a long way to go but Berhe is the Giants’ wild card heading into the offseason and there is a good chance he could soon develop into the team’s jack-of-all-trades on defense.

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