FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at LSU linebacker Harold Perkins.
- 2026 NFL Draft Guide
- 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
- 2026 NFL Mock Drafts
- Dynasty Rookie Mock Drafts
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Harold Perkins
Harold Perkins (LB – LSU)
6-foot-1 | 221 Pounds
Background
Harold Perkins is a New Orleans local who was one of the top recruits in his class, starting 13 games as a freshman, finishing with an impressive 72-13.0-7.5 line (one interception, four forced fumbles).
Had a similar year in 2023 (75-13.0-5.5, one interception, three forced fumbles), then tore his ACL a few games into the 2024 season. Returned this past year and went 56-8.0-4.0 (three interceptions, 1 forced fumble).
Positives
Productive three-year starter for a major program. Has some experience lining up all over the field and converted to the star position (essentially a big nickel) this year. Aggressive, relatively rangy player who can pursue ball-carriers out toward the sidelines or flying downhill to make plays in the backfield.
Can use his quickness and flexibility to knife past blockers and get to the ball. His aggressive approach lets him rack up plenty of tackles in the backfield. Sudden with his hands to filter through trash, and he has more power than expected in them. Shows nice closing burst as he gets to the ball-carrier. Uses a wrap technique to sling down running backs.
Despite his above-average athleticism, Perkins plays with some patience to limit false steps. LSU was comfortable shading him over the slot on passing downs. Light on his feet in coverage, with pretty loose hips and sound balance/form. Was asked to make some challenging drops into deeper zones.
Can simulate blitzes and still get to his landmarks as a spot-dropper. Able to generate some good pressure when schemed open as a blitzer because of his speed and burst. Does a pretty good job of disguising his intentions pre-snap. Shows a low center of gravity to redirect smoothly in pursuit of the quarterback.
Negatives
Perkins is on the smaller side for a pro linebacker and may not meet every team’s size requirements. Early aggressiveness can sometimes be taken advantage of, causing him to take false steps when facing misdirection. Can occasionally struggle to hold the point of attack, and balance can also be an issue.
Prefers to go around blockers, which can lead to inefficient routes in pursuit. His motor can run hot and cold. Has tendencies to defer to other teammates in the area, which undermines his range. Doesn’t have a ton of stopping power, and his reliability as a tackler has been on the iffy side.
A torn ACL sustained in 2024 will require further medical investigation during the pre-draft process.
Summary
An athletic weakside linebacker with sudden, explosive traits that allow him to make splash plays in the backfield as a downhill, attacking type. Perkins has the athleticism to blitz the quarterback or work in coverage. He can be a bit of a feast-or-famine player, since he doesn’t always show the most urgency in pursuit, but his traits could make him a good fit for aggressive schemes.
Perkins has been getting some Day 2 hype, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he ended up as more of a mid-round pick, barring an excellent pre-draft process.
Projection: Round 4
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Podcast Addict | TuneIn