Chicago Bears Draft: Prospects Team Should Target

Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami

Denzel Perryman is an old school linebacker. He loves to get to the ball carrier and just HIT HIM! He delivers a jarring punch to offensive linemen when they come to the second level.

Perryman has strong, active hands and good feet that make it difficult for blockers to stay engaged with him. He has good burst and uses good angles to get from sideline to sideline.

When he drops into coverage, Perryman can pick up routes quickly, and has smooth enough hips to go stride-for-stride with slot receivers and tight ends.

Perryman’s height is not ideal. He is barely six feet tall, and can be swallowed up at the line of scrimmage, which is why he will be better suited at inside linebacker. He needs to control his aggressiveness at times so he doesn’t leave himself vulnerable to the play action.

Even during a difficult season as the Hurricanes had in 2014, Perryman plays all out, and coaches appreciate that. “It’s a shame we didn’t have everybody play every snap the way he played it,” UM defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio said of Perryman. “I think it speaks to the rest of the team to know that you’re never done improving.”

The Chicago Bears have a history of hard hitting, aggressive linebackers, and Perryman could extend that history. If Fox wants to get back to the hard-hitting, turnover causing defense, he should take a look at Perryman. He works hard to improve, and he should have a nice, long career in the NFL.

Next: Jalen Collins