EDGE, Oklahoma

Update: Ronnie Perkins is now a New England Patriot. We are excited to see what Belichick can do with him.

As a history buff I’ve always heard people saying things like “History repeats itself” or “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Well, when we speak of Ronnie Perkins lets focus on a different quote. How about George Santayana’s “History is always written wrong, and so always needs to be rewritten.” Perkins has began to rewrite his legacy after a hiccup he had prior to the 2019 bowl season. He and two teammates tested positive for marijuana and were suspended. Perkins had to sit out that bowl season and the first half of 2020.

History

Perkins came back with a vengeance and wanted to showcase his talents in a limited window. Although he had already showed his ability as a freshman and sophomore at Oklahoma by contributing 11 sacks, and 21.5 tackles for loss. But, as a junior, he set out to rewrite his history. In only half of a season he put up 24 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss along with 5.5 sacks. PFF graded him as the second highest overall edge defender in 2020. Had he played a full slate he would have recorded 21 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. That is the stat line of a guaranteed first rounder when playing in the BIG 12. I truly believe if Perkins hadn’t failed the drug test and played a full season we would be speaking of him as a top 20 pick.

Strengths

Perkins blends speed and power incredibly well. His first step shows athleticism and burst as it surprises too many offensive tackles, do they not watch film? Perkins gets into defenders and uses his strength to long arm tackles before he dips around the edge. He also utilizes a shifty push pull when he sets up blockers by getting into their chest quickly. I like his hand fighting when defending the run and moving laterally to chase a ball carrier.

As a three year starter, he has experience and has played big in big moments. On film I never see his motor stop and his effort is consistent. He is the type of player I would want on my team. His athleticism and his heart make a great combination. I regularly see him chase down backs and receivers down field. He uses his heart and relentlessness to help make his teammates better. The Sooner defense morphed into a game changing unit when he came back. The entire defense benefits when he is on the field. That is an unmeasurable metric that shouldn’t go unpraised.

Weaknesses

 Ronnie obviously has a small character concern, but I would assume NFL front offices have vetted that well. Every once in awhile he gets out of place and loses backside containment on counter plays. This can be coached out of him, and I don’t like to hold aggressiveness against players, so its not a red flag. My biggest concern is his lack of pass rush repertoire. If his first move doesn’t work he lacks a counter attack. I’d like to see him with a crafty veteran who can help add to that. Lastly, I’m still in between which defensive scheme he is best suited for. I consistently read my colleagues mention him needing to stand up and play OLB in a 3-4, but I disagree. He stands 6-3 and weighs 250 lbs., and I think he can produce as a hand down DE in a 4-3, the same position he played at Oklahoma.

Final Thoughts

Perkins has already taken the pen back in life and started to rewrite that history we spoke of earlier. I’m excited to see what chapter he will author next. I tend to believe it may be a good one. Perkins could be one of the biggest value picks in this years draft if he goes in the second, or especially the third round. This class lacks a true number one game changer at the edge, but with the right fit and coaching Perkins has the tools to emerge as that guy in this class.

Projection- Reminiscent of a Danielle Hunter story in 2015, Perkins has some quality tools and could go anywhere from the late first round to the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. All the offensive depth in the draft could force him further down, but if it does I’m giving which ever team scoops him up a good grade for that pick. I actually like him in a 4-3 and could see him to the Colts if they trade out of the first, or potentially a good fit across from Myles Garrett in Cleveland as well.