Polarizing ex-LSU Tigers linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. was just taken 215th overall in the 2026 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
One of the most exciting LSU Tigers in recent memory is on his way to the next level, as linebacker Harold Perkins was just selected No. 215 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2026 NFL draft.
While everyone wants to be drafted as highly as possible, it always felt more important where Perkins ended up rather than at what specific spot. Going to the Falcons and working with someone like Jeff Ulbrich, their defensive coordinator, is a huge win.
In his four years with the Tigers (he played in four games in 2024 due to a torn ACL), the linebacker put up gawdy numbers. He finishes his college career with 220 tackles with 35.5 for a loss, 17.0 sacks, five interceptions, 10 passes broken up and eight forced fumbles.
When Perkins was on, there was no player more fun to watch in the country. He lived up to his high school hype of being a generational athlete. That athleticism is was got him drafted into the NFL.
The 6-1, 220 linebacker ran a blazing fast 4.40 40-yard dash during LSU's pro day. He put up great numbers all around and certainly got the attention of plenty of NFL teams. At worst, he's going to be special teams contributor from the jump and in the right system he can be a Pro Bowler.
He's just a bit of a tweener. His skills didn't make any massive jumps while in college; he kind of always got by because he was the better athlete. There were flashes of technical stuff, but not much consistency. He's too small to be an every-down pass rusher at the next level and hasn't proven to be a great off-ball linebacker. It'll be interesting to see what the Falcons do with him.