Earlier this offseason, it looked like the Atlanta Falcons found a steal in rookie linebacker Harold Perkins Jr.
Back at the start of training camp, Perkins was getting consistent reps with the first-team defense and was turning heads at every opportunity. There were even some Falcons fans who thought his skilset would be the most optimal way to replace Jalon Walker and Kaden Elliss' impact on defense.
But now, the buzz has gone quiet. Total crickets. Despite playing in both of the Falcons' preseason games, the sixth-round pick has failed to record so much as a singular tackle. Not even a single statistic out there. Call him Tony Snell the way he was out there just to get some daily cardio in.
With these late Day 3 rookies, a good impression in real game action is the best way to prove to the coaches you deserve a real role. I'm not saying he's on the roster bubble, because that would be a huge stretch, but his hopes of starting have gone out the window thanks to his fellow Day 3 pick.
Kendal Daniels is quietly running away with the Atlanta Falcons' LB2 job
Harold Perkins Jr.'s struggles are being overshadowed by another rookie dazzling. With each passing day, Kendal Daniels is looking like a future star in the making, but he also looks to be strengthening his grip on the LB2 job--and unlike Perk, he's impressing both in practice and during in-game action.
Speaking of capitalizing on the preseason, Daniels has done exactly that. According to PFF, the rookie logged an impressive 90.1 overall grade in the win over the Colts. That grade was second-best on the team only behind Christian Harris, while his 78.8 coverage grade was also second to Harris. Not to mention, he started in the 34-6 win, while Perkins' grades were near the middle of the pack.
Moreover, while Divine Deablo was injured, Daniels was the one who wore the green dot on his helmet for Jeff Ulbrich's defense. And once Deablo returned, he kept getting starting reps alongside him. It feels like every day he's making plays in practice, and this coaching staff has been singing his praises.
At this point, it would be a surprise if the 23-year-old wasn't with the starting defense come Week 1. You watch the film of him and the way he's able to diagnose the play is sensational. Not only is he a freak of nature, the athleticism and instincts of being a former safety show up when you watch him.
Harold Perkins Jr. has still exceeded expectations for where the Falcons drafted him, but right now, it's Kendal Daniels who's looking like the real diamond in the rough--and his hype train doesn't feel like a mirage.
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