Denzel Perryman
Miami, ILB
Height: 5.11
Weight: 248
Age: 22
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Athleticism: C
Possesses good range and foot speed, but could improve range with better instincts. Average fluidity for a linebacker and gets into trouble when he has to flip his hips and change direction. Short area burst is excellent and has the power and athleticism to blitz up the middle and off the edge.
Run Defense: B
Very strong for a linebacker and possesses and thick frame to hold up inside. Moves downhill fast and engages blockers with pop. Has strong hands, but too often fails to disengage once he gets locked onto. Challenges linemen but rarely beats them, and is stymied by linemen and fullbacks alike. Has the burst to shoot gaps and drop ballcarriers in the backfield for a loss.
Coverage: C
Gets good depth in drops, but is not fast or fluid enough to hold up with better tight ends or with slot receivers in coverage. An intimidator over the middle and has the burst to close on plays in front of him and challenge the completion. Physical in coverage and eliminates yardage after the catch. Reads the quarterback’s eyes and gets his hands up into passing lanes. Doesn’t field the ball cleanly for the interception.
Tackling: B
Generally a secure tackler, but dives at ballcarriers legs too often and can be slipped by more athletic runners. Pursuit angles are far too acute and gets outpaced often. Can be shaken by running backs and receivers in space, and is at his best making plays within the tackle box. Brings the wood and make impactful hits when he has a straight line path to the ballcarrier.
Intangibles: B
Possesses leadership ability and high end football character. Major contributor for all four years of eligibility and highly experienced. Effort can fluctuate from good to adequate. Is extremely and overly aggressive. Takes a false step at times off the snap, but is capable of recovering. Will get fooled by play action and may have trouble seeing the initial handoff due to height.
Red Flags: None
Bottom Line: Like many great linebackers, Denzel Perryman sports a short, extremely thick frame and physical playing style. While Perryman is not the greatest athlete, he possesses a lot of positive traits as a linebacker that will allow him to be successful in the NFL. Perryman would fit well as a jack linebacker in a 3-4 defensive front where he can occupy blocks up front as he does so well, but could also man the middle in a 4-3 as well.
Comparison: Mychal Kendricks
Grade: 8.8 (2nd Round)
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