Chargers to Host LSU LB Harold Perkins for Top-30 Visit

The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly set to host LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. for a pre-draft visit, according to NFL analyst Ryan Fowler. The former five-star recruit has already met with the New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys and is scheduled to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers as well.

A New Orleans, LA native, Perkins played all four years of his college career with the Tigers, earning first-team All-SEC honors as a freshman, second-team All-SEC as a sophomore and third-team All-SEC as a senior this past season.

After suffering a torn ACL four games into his junior year, Perkins appeared in 12 games in 2025, recording 55 total tackles (26 solo), 19 pressures, four sacks, three passes defensed, three interceptions and one forced fumble. By his standards, it was a down year production-wise, but considering he was returning from a significant knee injury, it was still a promising season.

The 21-year-old is one of the more intriguing evaluations in the upcoming class, as his versatility as both an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker stands out, yet many feel he hasn’t reached his full potential. That same versatility, however, has prevented him from settling into a defined role throughout his college career, which some would argue has stunted his development in the area where he’s most effective—rushing the passer. After posting a 90.9 pass-rush grade as a freshman, he was asked to play more off-ball linebacker down the stretch, where his production dipped.

Perkins recently participated in LSU’s Pro Day, where he ran an impressive unofficial 4.38 40-yard dash and recorded a 35-inch vertical jump, further reinforcing his elite athleticism.

For the Chargers, Perkins would make a lot of sense given their current need to add speed, explosiveness and long-term upside off the edge. With Odafe Oweh joining the Washington Commanders, aside from veteran Khalil Mack and first-time Pro Bowler Tuli Tuipulotu, the Bolts are still searching for a true impact presence who can consistently threaten offenses off the edge.

His ability to play multiple roles on defense would allow Los Angeles to disguise pressures and create more favorable matchups. Whether lining up on the edge, blitzing from the second level or dropping into coverage, he provides a skill set that can keep offenses guessing.

For first-time defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary, Perkins offers the kind of versatility and upside that could make him an impactful addition early in his career while still providing room for long-term growth.