New York Giants Draft ‘Tiki Barber 2.0’ Paul Perkins From UCLA
In the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins.
We listed Perkins as one of the top remaining prospects available on Day 3 and now he’s off the board and on the Giants roster. Perkins is a 5 foot, 10 inch running back who weighs about 196 pounds and is 21 years old. Paul is described as a bell cow who’s a quality pass catcher. He may not have an immediate chance to play as Rashad Jennings is the incumbent starter. Given Jennings’ injury history and Perkins’ talent, it’s possible his time to shine will come sooner than most think.
Some are already calling Perkins the best true back on the roster and believe he’ll be a nice change of pace back. He was the all-time leading receiver as a running back at UCLA. Perkins has been compared to former Giants running back and all-time franchise rushing leader, Tiki Barber. Giants writer Ralph Vacchiano tweeted out that Perkins loved the Tiki Barber comparison because he idolized him growing up.
Paul Perkins on being called a "poor man's @TikiBarber": "I did idolize him growing up. To be compared to him is an honor."
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) April 30, 2016
Last year, Jay Ajayi went in the fifth round and really turned some heads last season in limited playing time. The Giants hope Perkins will turn some heads in 2016, but it might not come right away. In February, Bleacher Report wrote an article calling Perkins the most underrated weapon in the NFL draft.
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Perkins was the Bruins co-captain last year and is tied for second in the Pac-12 in total touchdowns scored with 15.
CBS Sports draft analyst Rob Rang had this to say:
"“The most consistent running back in the Pac-12 over the past two seasons, Perkins is a classic slasher with the vision and burst to project well in any NFL offense which allows him to simply plant and go. He has the hands and toughness to remain on the field on third down but a relatively spindly frame raises concerns about his ability to remain durable if featured in the NFL as he was by the Bruins.”"
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Perkins scored a drat grade of 5.6, which means he’ll most likely be a “Backup or eventual starter” but is on the cusp of becoming an early starter. Paul was the top performer in the broad jump at the scouting combine among running backs.
Analyst Lance Zierlein projects Perkins to go in the 4th round and compares him to Cleveland Browns pick Duke Johnson, adding:
"“If Perkins had more size and play strength to go with his elusiveness, we would be talking about whether he or Ezekiel Elliott would be the first running back off the board. While Perkins’ tape is full of ankle-breaking cuts, his draft value will also be determined by his ability to protect the quarterback and stay on the field in short-yardage spots. If Perkins finds the right scheme and team fits for his talents, he could become a high-end committee back early on.”"
Brady Lunt of NFLMocks wrote:
"“Perkins should be an intriguing talent as his versatility allows him to make an impact as a runner and receiver. However, scouts will be leary of his frame and injury history. If Perkins can prove he is healthy, add weight, and perform well at the combine, he’ll see his draft stock climb. He will not be an immediate starter, but should find ways to contribute and potentially grow into that role.”"
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Here are how his stats at UCLA stacked up in the Pac-12…
Rushing Yards: 2014 – 1,572 (1st in Pac-12); 2015 – 1,343 (3rd in Pac-12)
Rushing Yards Per Attempt: 2014 – 6.3 (2nd in Pac-12)
Rushing Touchdowns: 2015 – 14 (2nd in Pac-12)
Yards From Scrimmage: 2014 – 1,773 (3rd in Pac-12); 2015 – 1,585 (3rd in Pac-12)
Touchdowns: 2015 – 15 (3rd in Pac-12)