Packer Draft 2015 Prospects ~ Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami (Fla.)

              Denzel Perryman, who has been at least a part-time starter in all three of his seasons on the Miami defense, took over a full-time role as the Hurricanes middle linebacker in 2013. Perryman relished that opportunity and ended up being the team’s defensive MVP and a first-team all-ACC selection. In his standout junior season, Perryman racked up 108 tackles and five tackles for loss. Across 34 career games with 24 total starts, Perryman has tallied 241 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception.

Why You Should Watch Perryman ?

Perryman has excellent instincts on run defense and functions perfectly within the Miami defense. He plays smart, disciplined, assignment football and is always in position to make plays against the run. What makes Perryman such an intriguing prospect is how well he combines his football intelligence with his aggressive and physical style of play. Perryman can read and react to plays quickly and is a consistent finisher. He flows well to the football, sees windows and closes them in a hurry.

Perryman has a “true nose” for the football and takes smart routes to the ball while he makes his share of impact plays against the run. He is an excellent, secure wrap-up tackler who rarely misses the opportunity to bring down a ball carrier.


With a head of steam, Perryman can be extremely powerful when it comes to hitting an offensive lineman and especially against running backs staying in for blocks.  He is strong enough where he can potentially knock a blocker in to the quarterback or simply treat them as a speed bump.  Better hand use would enable him to shed more quickly and be a bigger threat and allow him to finish more plays with better success.

One area where Perryman does a great job is trying to knock down passes.  He not only is consistent when it comes to putting his arms up to try to deflect passes but he reads the quarterback’s eyes and at least obstruct his view if not get in the way to knock down the pass.

System Fit

• 4-3 Middle Linebacker
  

There is no question that Perryman does his best work when he has a defensive line in front of him that can keep the offensive line occupied and allow him to fly around and make plays.  Athletically, he has the tools to do the job and could potentially help a team on every down.  This seems like the best situation for him, but he needs to improve to convince an NFL team they can play him there.

• 4-3 Weak Side Linebacker
  

This is the position that Perryman started his career playing in college.  He would be an asset in terms of making plays in space against the run, but so far, questions with his ability to make plays on the football could make this problematic for him on an every down basis.

• 3-4 Weak Inside Linebacker
  

The fact that Perryman can be hit or miss when it comes to taking on and shedding blocks makes this the most precarious situation for him.  If he can get better or he goes to a team that can keep him clean, he would be in a great situation as far as the amount of ground he would need to cover and his potential impact on the blitz. Still if he has a good partner  at strong side ILB it may not be as risky.


Overall

Perryman is still the most complete ILB on tape I have seen. He will start a ton of games and get the job done. My choice at ILB in Green Bay if he is on the board and available.