Just three games into his NFL career, Harold Perkins Jr. is already earning recognition for his play, and his early production could give the Atlanta Falcons a reason to expand his responsibilities.
Perkins earned a 77.0 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus through the first three weeks of the season, ranking sixth among qualifying rookies. He has also posted an 80.4 coverage grade, putting him among the better rookie linebackers in that category.
The sixth-round linebacker still has plenty to prove, particularly against the run, but his early performance is giving the Falcons something to build on. With Jeff Ulbrich having the flexibility to deploy Perkins in different ways, Atlanta could have a young LB capable of taking on a much larger role as the season progresses.
Perkins has made an encouraging start to his rookie season, especially considering how the Falcons have used him. It isn't all that often you see sixth-round picks make this sort of impression, and it's only confirmed the belief Ian Cunningham and Kevin Stefanski found an absolute steal.
Take PFF for what you will but according to PFF, Perkins has played 93 defensive snaps through three games, with 75 coming in coverage and 15 as a pass rusher. He has played just three snaps against the run, making it clear that Atlanta is currently using him primarily in passing situations.
That approach has yielded some encouraging results. Perkins has yet to miss a tackle this season and has allowed an 82.8 passer rating when targeted in coverage. His 80.4 coverage grade also ranks eighth among qualified linebackers.
Those numbers help explain why Perkins is already attracting attention among the league's rookie class as PFF's latest rookie rankings placed him sixth overall, ahead of several highly regarded defensive prospects.
The Atlanta Falcons could have a bigger role in mind for Harold Perkins
Sure there are still areas where Perkins needs to improve. Like his 53.6 run-defense grade shows that he has work to do before Atlanta can confidently rely on him in every defensive situation. But if Ulbrich is willing to play him over fellow rookie Kendal Daniels in spite of that, he mist be doing something right.
Harold Perkins Jr. recorded at least 5.5 sacks in both his freshman and junior seasons at LSU, showing the pass-rushing ability that could eventually give Atlanta another option when bringing pressure.
Now the 22-year-old has only played three NFL games, so it's far too early to determine how high his ceiling might be. But his early coverage numbers and ability to contribute in different situations have given the Atlanta Falcons a reason to keep finding ways to get him involved.
If he can improve against the run while maintaining his effectiveness in coverage, Perkins could eventually become an every-down option for the Falcons…
For now, his early performance gives Ulbrich a promising young defender to develop and a reason to consider expanding his role as the season unfolds. And that starts with a matchup against his hometown Saints on primetime that should only affirm his status as a diamond in the rough.
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