10 Players the Atlanta Falcons Should Consider in the 2nd Round

Denzel Perryman – LB – Miami

Dec 28, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals running back Dominique Brown (10) is hit by Miami Hurricanes linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the Russell Athletic Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

An absolute thumper who would bring an edge to the Atlanta Falcons defense, Denzel Perryman is your traditional inside linebacker. Perryman is a form tackler, who hits hard and keep his pads low. He is extremely productive against the run, and led the combine with 27 bench press reps. Perryman has quick, strong hands to shed blocks, and was a finalist for the 2014 Butkus award. The biggest concern surrounding the former Hurricane is his ability to defend the pass in man coverage. It would be hard to project him as anything other than a two down linebacker during his early pro career, and his struggles in coverage may be enough to see him fall. However, if Dan Quinn is looking for an aggressive, hard nosed and physical linebacker, and is happy to roll the dice with the team’s current linebacking corps on third down, then Perryman fits the bill perfectly.