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NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Denzel Perryman, ILB Miami

Posted on by Thomas Hobbes

Green Bay Packers NFL Draft prospect profile: ILB Denzel Perryman, Miami

Player Information:

Paul Dawson
5-11, 236 pounds
Hometown: Coral Gables, FL

STATS

NFL Combine:

40 yard: 4.78

Bench: 27

Vert: 32″

Broad: 113″

3 cone: N/A

Shuttle: N/A

News and Notes:

Last on the list of potential 1st round inside linebacker prospects, Denzel Perryman harkens back to the older generation of linebackers; ones who hit like a truck, play until the whistle and will get burned in coverage because they are a thumper.  Add to that the extra layer that Perryman doesn’t possess the ideal frame (5-11, 236lbs) of a two down linebacker and you have a surprising case a smaller linebacker trying to fill a traditionally big linebacker role.  Now that might not be an issue for the Packers, who drafted Sam Barrington and DJ Smith, two other linebackers with similar play styles and measurables, but would the Packer really invest a high round draft pick on Perryman?

 What they’re saying about him:

  • CBSSports.com: “Perryman has a long ways to go to warrant comparison to London Fletcher, a four-time Pro Bowler who never missed a game to injury in 16 seasons in the NFL. Like the 5-10, 242 pound Fletcher, Perryman is a compact, instinctive defender whose open-field tackling and awareness could result in a long and distinguished pro career.”
  • NFL.com: “Early down linebacker who can make plays against the run but will struggle if isolated in coverage. Perryman is a lunch-pail worker who enjoys the physical part of the game. Can be a highly productive NFL player but ceiling looks to be limited.”

Video:

Video Analysis:

  • First thing that is quite apparent is Perryman is a technician when it comes to tackling. He almost always brings the ball carrier down despite not getting a great angle.
  • Surprisingly good in pass coverage considering his reputation. While he’s not going to be able to cover a Jimmy Graham type player, he should be able to cover a small slot receiver for a little while.
  • Shows next to nothing on pass rushing; he’s simply not big enough to really get past a blocker if they get his hands in him
  •  Very quick and agile, will probably operate best if not asked to get out of the box, might be fast enough to go sideline to sideline, maybe not.
  • Biggest question will be can he produce in the NFL with his smaller size.

If drafted by the Packers

Perryman was mocked quite often to the Packers early in the offseason, but that’s cooled down somewhat (Eric Kendricks is the current favorite) or a cornerback (as our dear leader believes).  In the end, I think it comes down to how much faith the Packers have in Sam Barrington; if they view Barrington as a long term starer then the impetus should be find someone to compliment him rather than bring in Perryman who is essentially the same player.  If they decide to draft Perryman to replace Barrington, then they run into the same issue where now they need to find a running mate for Perryman (and I don’t think Clay is the long term answer either).  Realisitically, I don’t think Perryman can solve the Packers problems at inside linebacker, sure he might be a good player but usually you are looking for more than just good in the early rounds.

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Thomas Hobbes is a staff writer for Jersey Al’s AllGreenBayPackers.com.

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3 thoughts on “NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Denzel Perryman, ILB Miami”

  1. I think you hit the key point in the redundancy of Perryman with players already on the roster. I think you also hit an important point on CMIII, that while he’ll get his snaps at ILB, he’ll be most disruptive if he’s moved all over the place. This still leaves a void at ILB, ex-specially with regard to an athletic chaser type who can cover.

    If Perryman were there in round 4 (and he seems to be sliding some as the draft approaches) he would be a great value pick. But not on days 1 or 2 given what the Packers have and what they need.

    1. To be honest, I like Perryman better than Dawson or McKinney, but I don’t think any of those three players will be available on day 3. My guess is that all of them will be 2nd or 3rd round picks and I wouldn’t mind seeing the Packers take Perryman with a 3rd round pick.

      1. As others have suggested, I think the Packers will go for better values in rounds 1 and 2 (assuming no draft-day trades) and see what’s left when round 3 comes along. Essentially, I wouldn’t be surprised if they let others make their minds up for them in terms of what to do with the ILB position.

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