Taylor Mays or Eric Berry?

One of the early draft debates I've seen around the web is whether or not USC's Taylor Mays or Tennessee's Eric Berry will be the top safety prospect next year.

Seattle native Mays certainly fits the criteria Tim Ruskell looks for. The Seahawks' GM has drafted from USC in the past and he likes four year starters - Mays decided to stay in SoCal rather than declare this year.

At 6'3" and 230lbs he's quite a specimen at the safety position. It is difficult, however, to gauge whether Mays has the play making qualities to partner the physical attributes.

He often features a long way behind the line of scrimmage for the Trojans and with so few teams willing to throw deep on USC, he has few opportunities to make a big play. He's only registered three interceptions, no sacks and one forced fumble in three years.

Eric Berry enters his junior year at Tennessee with quite a reputation. His 12 interceptions in two years starting have made him a household name amongst college football fans. Three of those picks were returned for TD's.

Often compared to Baltimore's stud safety Ed Reed, Berry was awarded the SEC defensive player of the year for 2008. When asked who was the best SEC player outside of the Florida Gators roster, Tim Tebow recently named Berry.

He's the first Tennessee student to be put forward for the Heisman since Peyton Manning. Walter Cherepinsky has the Vols play maker going 5th overall in his latest 2010 mock draft - to the Seattle Seahawks.

There is of course the chance Berry won't declare for next year's draft. He's an aspiring dentist and is currently serving an internship at a dental office in Georgia. He may wish to complete his studies before entering the NFL, although another year of huge production could tempt him to turn pro as an underclassman.

So the question is - who do you prefer? Mays or Berry?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments section or email rob@seahawksdraftblog.com