Bernard Pollard S 6’2 226 Purdue Jr.
By: Robert Davis

Bernard Pollard has been a tackling machine from his safety spot since his freshman year at Purdue. He was named Freshman All-American after posting 66 tackles and 3.5 for loss. As a sophomore, he was even more active, notching 96 tackles, three for loss, with one sack and one interception. The tackle numbers were again very impressive as a junior this season, where he finished the year with 92, and he even upped his interception total to three for the year.

Pollard’s strength is clearly attacking the line of scrimmage. With his size and strength, he can play like an extra linebacker in the running game. He can weed through traffic and lay a lick on the ball carrier. He breaks down well and space and can tackle in the open field. Pollard also has the pure athleticism to play in coverage and he has improved every year on his cover skills. He is also a standout special teamer.

Pollard did pick off three passes this year, but he has not been a major factor in coverage at Purdue. He use to be non existent in coverage, but is improving, so he may just need more time to develop these skills. He is not slow on the field, but he does not have ideal speed, and that is part of the problem in coverage.

Bernard Pollard has announced his intentions to declare for the 2006 draft, so he is in. While he has been a standout on the field, he will likely be drafted on his potential. He can play right now and contribute in the running game, but he still needs a lot of work in coverage. How well he tests out speed wise may determine exactly where he goes. Do not be surprised to see him crack Day One, but he has intriguing upside no matter where he is drafted.