Every NFL Draft class has a few players who jump out as physical freaks with extremely rare skill sets. There typically are a few players at their position who are a once-in-a-decade type, and those rare players are always highly desired by NFL teams. Harold Perkins Jr. is a top candidate to be that type of prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, as he is a physical freak with a special skill set. In speaking with multiple team sources, they are raving about Perkins, and one source said that Perkins reminds them of scouting 49ers great Patrick Willis when he was at Ole Miss.
“Perkins reminds me of Patrick Willis,” said an NFL general manager. “Perkins needs to add a little weight, which he will. Patrick was 228 coming out and played at 235 in the league. Lavonte Davis is a good comp as well.”
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 stayed 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. On NFL team’s preseason watch list, Perkins is listed at 6-foot, 215-pounds. Hence, gaining weight is needed to play linebacker in the NFL.
In speaking with a pro personnel director, they said that Perkins was even more impressive in 2023, considering he was not always used to what he does best on passing downs. LSU dropped him into coverage a good amount despite Perkins being a dangerous quarterback hunter. In my latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, I have Perkins going in the top 10 just like Willis did back in 2007.
