This game has the potential for a great draft matchup, with Michigan cornerback Zeke Berry challenged by Indiana star wide receivers Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh. Becker looks like a pick for the top half of the first round; Marsh could also go on opening night, and Berry is an early-rounder. All great receivers depend on their quarterback and offensive line performing well, and that was proven once again as Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover and the offensive line struggled against Michigan to limit what their star receivers could do. Another reason Indiana’s offense has struggled is Berry’s tremendous performance that will help him greatly in the coming months.
In the second quarter, Berry spun through the line to make a tackle in run support near the line of scrimmage. Moments later, Berry made a great tackle on Josh Hoover on a third-down scramble to stop him from getting first-down yardage and forcing a field goal. Late in the second quarter, Berry had a great coverage run with Marsh on the sideline, and Berry looked back to the quarterback at the perfect time to make a diving breakup that got his defense on the field. Late in the third quarter, Berry made a game-changing play with his team down 6-0. Berry was in off-man coverage and read Josh Hoover’s eyes to undercut Marsh for an interception with a 37-yard return to set up his offense at the Indiana 13.
This tape will help Berry a lot with pro evaluators in the coming months. Berry has sticky coverage on Marsh, showing the ability to run the route to avoid separation. He has good technique on when to get the ball back and has shown a great ability to play on the ball. His ball skills with batted passes and interceptions are impressive. Additionally, Berry tackled and was active as a run defender and played well on special teams. Berry could get late first-round consideration and looks like a second-round pick at the very least.
Michigan limited Becker to 32 yards on three catches, and Marsh had two receptions for 25 yards. On the first play from scrimmage, Marsh caught a pass and had a nice run, taking on defenders and heading for a long gain but with a step that went out of bounds. Late in the second quarter, Becker ran a nice route on one out for a leaping grab by the 17 to set up a field goal for the Hoosiers on the final play of the first half. That proved to be a big play in the game. Overall, this tape will neither hurt nor help Becker and Marsh for the 2027 NFL Draft.