2026 Draft: Linebacker

[manxman2601]

Harold Perkins Jr, LSU, 6'1, 222lbs

From Draft Buzz

SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS​

• Possesses elite speed that translates to devastating pursuit angles and sideline-to-sideline range rarely seen at linebacker.
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• Creates instant havoc as a pass rusher with explosive first-step quickness and natural bend around the edge.
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• Shows remarkable closing burst when attacking ball carriers, consistently arriving faster than blockers can react.
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• Displays instinctive play recognition that allows him to trigger downhill and disrupt plays before they develop.
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• Demonstrates reliable hands and ball skills with multiple interceptions and forced fumbles throughout his career.
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• Brings versatility to line up anywhere from edge rusher to safety, making him a defensive coordinator's dream.
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• Flashes impressive coverage ability when asked to drop into zone concepts, showing fluid hips and spatial awareness.
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• Competes with relentless motor and plays with the kind of edge that forces offensive coordinators to game-plan around him.

SCOUTING REPORT: SUMMARY​

Perkins represents the modern evolution of linebacker play - a weapon built for speed and versatility rather than traditional size and power. His speed at the linebacker position is genuinely rare, the kind of athleticism that makes defensive coordinators salivate over the possibilities. When you watch him chase down running backs from the backside or close on receivers in coverage, you're seeing something that can't be taught. That burst and range make him a natural fit for teams running hybrid defenses that value position flexibility over traditional roles.

....

Perkins has legitimate Pro Bowl upside. Even without significant physical development, his combination of speed, instincts, and versatility should make him an impact player who forces offensive coordinators to account for his presence on every snap. Teams drafting in the late first or early second round who need a dynamic playmaker to energize their defense should have Perkins circled on their boards.

Harold Perkins Jr. Linebacker LSU | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 84.3 Rank: #11 Forty: 4.45 Perkins represents the modern evolution of linebacker play - a weapon built for speed and versatility rather than traditional size and power. His speed at ...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

He's an ideal compliment to the more traditional Linebacker role of Robert Spilane.

 

[manxman2601]

 

[mayoclinic]

The Ohio St. kid, Sonny Styles, looked damn good against Texas. 6'5" 240#. Maybe a different build than what Vrabel is looking for, but he moves well for his size (was originally recruited as a safety).

 

[manxman2601]

The Ohio St. kid, Sonny Styles, looked damn good against Texas. 6'5" 240#. Maybe a different build than what Vrabel is looking for, but he moves well for his size (was originally recruited as a safety).

This is a much better linebacker class than last year by the looks of it.

 

[Clonamery]

Arvell Reese had a good game yesterday. Not a Vrabel prototypical sized lb at 6-4, 245.

 

[manxman2601]

Arvell Reese had a good game yesterday. Not a Vrabel prototypical sized lb at 6-4, 245.

 

[manxman2601]

Arvell Reese had a good game yesterday. Not a Vrabel prototypical sized lb at 6-4, 245.

Definitely high on my list for 2027. I think he's only a Soph this year.

 

[manxman2601]

The Ohio St. kid, Sonny Styles, looked damn good against Texas. 6'5" 240#. Maybe a different build than what Vrabel is looking for, but he moves well for his size (was originally recruited as a safety).

This is a quality linebacker class, particularly at the top. With CJ Allen, Anthony Hill and Sonny Styles all getting first round attention, relatively poor positional value suggests 1 or 2 will fall into round two. I'm not sure it's our biggest priority but there could be value to be had. However, I might be on the Arvell Reese 2027 train at this point. Styles is excellent though.

 

[Clonamery]

Definitely high on my list for 2027. I think he's only a Soph this year.

https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/football/roster/arvell-reese/12300

Junior in this bio. 2023 Freshman playing 8 games/ST's only.

Depends on the rest of the year whether he comes out.

 

[Clonamery]

This is a quality linebacker class, particularly at the top. With CJ Allen, Anthony Hill and Sonny Styles all getting first round attention, relatively poor positional value suggests 1 or 2 will fall into round two. I'm not sure it's our biggest priority but there could be value to be had. However, I might be on the Arvell Reese 2027 train at this point. Styles is excellent though.

I like that he plays with controlled speed not getting out of position.

 

[manxman2601]

Before FA started there were lot of rumours that Vrabel wanted Jamien Sherwood from the Jets as his first choice. He re-signed a day or two before FA started. Sherwood was a college safety converted to linebacker in the NFL and was only 216lbs at the combine. He's the new type of NFL linebacker - sideline to sideline range, comfortable in coverage, excellent tackler. I do like Harold Perkins in that role if we're not prepared to invest a first or second rounder at the position.

One advantage to taking a linebacker in the 3rd or 4th is that at the worst, you can probably get a key special teamer that you can allow to develop.

Styles, Arvell Reese, Anthony Allen Hill and CJ Allen all look like quality prospects but I wonder whether any make it out of the 2nd round as they all have borderline first round potential.

 

[Clonamery]

Before FA started there were lot of rumours that Vrabel wanted Jamien Sherwood from the Jets as his first choice. He re-signed a day or two before FA started. Sherwood was a college safety converted to linebacker in the NFL and was only 216lbs at the combine. He's the new type of NFL linebacker - sideline to sideline range, comfortable in coverage, excellent tackler. I do like Harold Perkins in that role if we're not prepared to invest a first or second rounder at the position.

One advantage to taking a linebacker in the 3rd or 4th is that at the worst, you can probably get a key special teamer that you can allow to develop.

Styles, Arvell Reese, Anthony Allen Hill and CJ Allen all look like quality prospects but I wonder whether any make it out of the 2nd round as they all have borderline first round potential.

Yeah, take a guy like Bryce Boettcher (Oregon) who just converted from S. Put on 15lbs and away he went to ILB.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Yeah, take a guy like Bryce Boettcher (Oregon) who just converted from S. Put on 15lbs and away he went to ILB.

Two RB swing passes yesterday (luckily one stepped out of bounds), we nearly gave up 14 points. We will not win many games if that continues. I would have thought that Mapu or Duggar could have run with the RB?

Spillane got all twisted up on the RB swing passes, and where was Elliss (I am not an Elliss fan). It is interesting that Vrabel wanted Sherwood which makes me optimistic that the Pats management understands the issue but could not fix everything in one year? How long have we been waiting for a sideline-to-sideline LB?

 

[p8ryts]

This is a much better linebacker class than last year by the looks of it.

Good, because we need some.

 

[manxman2601]

Unless things turnaround, definitely a need.

 

[Clonamery]

Unless things turnaround, definitely a need.

It's a need either way.

 

[Water Boy]

It's a need either way.

I definitely consider LB a major need going into the draft.

 

[dliverey44]

How about we sign Chris Paul Jr off of Seatles PS as a start

 

[manxman2601]

I love Perkins' speed, but perhaps he's not what you need from an MLB. WILL at best I think.

Harold Perkins v Clemson 2025

 

[Clonamery]

How about we sign Chris Paul Jr off of Seatles PS as a start