2026 NFL Scouting Report: Harold Perkins Jr.

Prospect Summary:

In 2022, Perkins was one of the best players in college football as a true freshman. He was all over the field for the Tigers, totaling 72 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception, and four passes batted. It was shocking that Perkins was able to stay consistent with that production as a sophomore when he totaled 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 74 tackles, and four passes batted. He also had a rushing touchdown and has contributed on special teams. In 2024, Perkins had 16 tackles in four games before suffering a season-ending injury in September. In 2025, Perkins had 55 tackles, three passes batted, four sacks, three interceptions, and a forced fumble.

For the NFL, Perkins is a versatile linebacker who could be a fit as a Will (weakside) linebacker. Early in his time at LSU, Perkins was a dynamic speed rusher off the edge. Perkins has a tremendous first step and explodes off the snap. He will get upfield so quickly that tackles will struggle to get back in their sets to meet him. His athletic ability makes the tackle’s job even harder, as Perkins can really bend and dip low to the ground to turn the corner. Perkins showed vision to redirect and has a natural feel as a rusher.

Over the final seasons with the Tigers, Perkins also showed well in pass coverage. He is natural in space, looking smooth and fluid in coverage to run with receivers downfield. Perkins has the speed and athleticism to be a good coverage linebacker in the NFL. As a sophomore, he showed a lot of progress in dropping into the zone and covering up receivers coming into his area. Perkins will benefit from pro coaching to continue to develop, but the talent is there.

In the ground game, Perkins is tremendous in pursuit, as his instincts are impressive. He reads his keys quickly and has good play recognition. Perkins is superb at flying to the flat and snuffing out perimeter runs. In 2022 and 2023, Perkins had a relentless play style and a nasty attitude, leading to him becoming violent with ball carriers. He is a good tackler overall and is always around the ball. As a run defender in the NFL, Perkins is always going to have issues taking on blocks, shedding blocks, holding his gap, and defending downhill runs coming straight at him. Still, Perkins is very undersized for a pro linebacker. Thus, Perkins will need to be used creatively to let him be the dangerous pursuit defender that he can be.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, Perkins could be a potential day-two or mid-round pick. Check out my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft to see where Perkins is currently being projected.