2015 NFL Draft Profile: Denzel Perryman. LB Miami Florida

Miami (Fl) linebacker Denzel Perryman is one of those players that you have to watch on tape to get a really good feel for who he is. On paper, he looks like an undersized player who will get swallowed up by defenses. However, the game footage shows something completely different when it comes to Perryman.

If you overlook his height, you see a player with most of the tools needed to succeed at linebacker in the NFL. He’s got that tough frame, solid instincts and ability to close fast on ball carriers. Often times, Denzel Perryman will seek out contact in order to win battles with bigger blockers and can use that lower center of gravity to win those battles. He’s also pretty solid in the passing game, being able to sniff out and hinder crossing routes on a regular basis.

All that sounds great, but the one huge knock on Denzel Perryman is that he bites on fakes FAR too often. If he can play more disciplined football he could be a very solid asset for a team that isn’t looking for a middle linebacker to rush the quarterback often. Because of that, he could be limited in some schemes.

Nov 9, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) in the second quarter of a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

Height: 5’11”
Weight: 236 pounds
Arm Length: 31 7/8″
Hand Size: 9 1/2″
40 Yard Dash: 4.78 seconds
Bench Press: 27 reps
Vertical Jump: 32″
Broad Jump: 113″
3 Cone Drill: N/A
20 Yard Shuttle: N/A

Draft Projection

Denzel Perryman is the #87 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is their #5 rated inside linebacker. They project him to be a third round selection.

NFL Player Comparison

NFL.com: D’Qwell Jackson, Indianapolis Colts
CBSSports.com: London Fletcher, Washington Redskins

Fit For The Vikings

Minnesota should be doing a lot of research on linebackers considering they have a hole at middle linebacker and a competition likely for one of the outside linebackers jobs.

My Take

I’d be firmly on board with the Vikings picking Denzel Perryman with their third round selection. Heck, I’d even be alright with him being their second round selection. I love the fire and determination that I see from this guy and despite his lack of height, he fits the bill of what Minnesota needs in a middle linebacker.

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