Patriots Target High-Risk Linebacker Perkins

0:00It's March 20th for the NFL. Let's get into it. The New England Patriots face a ton of needs heading into the 2026 NFL draft, from past rushers and linebackers to tight ends, offensive, linemen, and skill players. One name popping up as a prime target is the Louisiana State University linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., a 6 foot 1, 223 pound, defender with explosive potential. Perkins put up solid numbers in 12 games last season, including four sacks, three interceptions, eight tackles for loss, and 56 total tackles. He transitioned from edge rusher to a star row, showing flashes of elite play, despite some injury setbacks, scouts love his violent style, superb blitzing timing, smart pursuit angles, and growing coverage skills, plus he could shine on special teams. On the flip side, he's undersized, coming off of major injury that sideline him for most of his junior year, and he struggles with consistent tackling, and short area burst.

1:02Experts give him a B-grade, and compare him to former star Ryan Shazier, calling him a high-risk, high-reward pick who needs scheme freedom too. Thrive The Patriots might pair that thinking with interest in similar players like Pittsburgh's Kyle Lewis. With so many holes to fill, New England will need a sharp plan to land Perkins or someone like him, and turn things around on defense.