2015 NFL Draft Profile: LB Denzel Perryman, Miami

Denzel Perryman wore the number 52 at the University of Miami (otherwise known as the U), which is a pretty big honor. After all, Ray Lewis was number 52 at the U. While it is doubtful that Perryman will ever be as good as Lewis, he did the prestigious number well.

Overview:

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Perryman is a textbook tackling linebacker who strikes fear into any running back. He is 6’2″ and 242 pounds of almost all muscle. Perryman was a tackling machine at Miami.

The New York Giants run defense was atrocious in 2014; Perryman is the run stuffing linebacker that could change that. Perryman is a true middle linebacker. His football intelligence and his reckless playing style make him one step ahead, despite lacking great acceleration.

Strengths:

Very good tackler
Strong run defender
High football IQ
Captain of the defense

Concerns:

Not overly fast or athletic
Too often gets caught in trash
Needs to get better shedding blocks

Player Comparison: Brandon Spikes. Perryman like Spikes are linebackers who make a living because of their power and strength, not their speed. Spikes was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2010, but played the 2014 season as a member of the Buffalo Bills. Spikes has 340 career tackles.

2015 NFL Draft Projection:

Perryman will intrigue a lot of teams because he is a good player who can be a leader of a defense right away. Perryman is either a late first round selection or an early 2nd round prospect. He needs to show up big time at the NFL Combine. The questions for Perryman are mostly about his speed and athleticism. There is no doubt that he is a great talent who should have a very good NFL career.

Next: 2015 NFL Draft Profile: WR Amari Cooper, Alabama

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