Harold Perkins Jr.

NFL Draft Profile: Harold Perkins Jr.

Position: LB / Hybrid Specialist | School: LSU | Class: Senior (RS)

Height: 6'1" | Weight: 222 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid (Speed Rusher / Spy)

College Career Summary

Harold Perkins Jr. entered LSU as a supernova, producing one of the greatest true freshman seasons in SEC history in 2022 (7.5 sacks, 13 TFLs). However, his career became a study in "positional friction" as coaching staffs struggled to balance his elite edge-rushing traits with a move to off-ball linebacker. After a solid but less "dominant" sophomore year, Perkins suffered a torn ACL in September 2024 against UCLA, leading to a medical redshirt.

His 2025 "Revenge Tour" saw him return to a more specialized role. While he lacked the bulk of a traditional thumper, his efficiency as a "Havoc" player returned. He finished 2025 as the team leader in sacks (7.5) and interceptions (3), proving that his ACL recovery did not sap his elite "twitch." Perkins remains the most polarizing prospect in the class: an athletic outlier who defies traditional NFL sizing.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 44

• Total Tackles: 220+ (70 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 40.5 (12.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 20.5 (7.5 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 5 (3 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 8 (1 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Clemson	5 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B+	Explosive first step; looked fully healthy post-ACL.
vs. Nicholls	2 Tkl	B	Limited snaps; used primarily as a containment spy.
@ South Carolina	7 Tkl, 1.5 TFL	A-	Motor on display; chased down a 40-yard run.
vs. UCLA	6 Tkl, 1 INT	A	Redemption game from 2024 injury; elite ball skills.
vs. South Alabama	4 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B+	Scheme-dominant; unblockable as a delayed blitzer.
vs. Ole Miss	9 Tkl, 0.5 Sk	A-	High-volume production; erased the perimeter run.
@ Arkansas	6 Tkl, 2.0 Sk	A+	Season Best. Haunted the Hogs again; 2 forced hurries.
@ Texas A&M	2 Tkl, 1 INT	C+	Worst Game. Struggled to shed blocks against heavy OL.
vs. Alabama	9 Tkl, 1.0 Sk, 1 FF	A	Big-game hunter; forced a fumble in the red zone.
@ Florida	8 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Sideline-to-sideline range; elite pursuit.
vs. Vanderbilt	3 Tkl, 1 PD	B-	Quiet night; disciplined in his zone assignments.
vs. Oklahoma	0 Tkl, 1 INT	B	Targeted on blocks but salvaged grade with a late INT.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite "Twitch" & Bend: Perkins possesses a rare ability to "dip and rip" around offensive tackles despite his size. His Acceleration is in the 99th percentile for linebackers.

• Versatility: He is a defensive coordinator's "Chess Piece." He can spy a mobile QB, drop into a deep hook-zone, or stand up as a 7-technique pass rusher.

• Playmaking Instincts: He has a "nose for the ball" that results in high-impact turnovers. His 3 interceptions in 2025 showed improved Play Recognition in coverage.

• Star Power: He is a game-changer. When LSU needs a stop, Perkins is the player designated to "go get the ball."

Weaknesses

• Size/Anchor: At 222 lbs, he is dangerously light for an NFL linebacker. He can be absolutely erased by climbing offensive linemen if he doesn't win with speed.

• Tackling Technique: He is a "striker" rather than a "wrapper." This leads to highlight-reel hits but also a higher-than-average missed tackle rate against powerful runners.

• Positional Fit: He is a "Tweener." He isn't big enough to be a full-time EDGE, and he lacks the consistent block-shedding of a true MIKE.

Scheme Fit: Ideal "Joker" / Hybrid LB in a 3-4 or 4-2-5 system that prioritizes speed over size.

NFL Comparison: Micah Parsons (Lite) / Jamie Collins

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 17/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 20/20 | IQ: 16/20

Final Grade: 88/100

Harold Perkins Jr. is a "luxury" prospect. He won't be for everyone; old-school GMs will see a player who gets bullied by lead blockers. However, modern defensive minds will see a weapon that can erase a QB's scrambling ability and provide elite pressure on 3rd down. His medical clearance on the ACL was the biggest hurdle, and his 2025 tape showed that the speed is still there. He likely slides slightly due to "tweener" concerns, but his Star potential is undeniable.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round (Pick 33–45)