Chicago Bears 2015 Draft: Top Linebacker Options
Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Denzel Perryman (5-foot-11, 244 pounds), Miami
The “U” has produced Jonathan Vilma and Ray Lewis as great middle linebackers. Denzel Perryman is set to become the next great one.
In 2014, Perryman had 110 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5 passes defended and an interception. He is chomping at the bit to get to the NFL.
Fans will love Perryman from the start. He is one ferocious hitter who wants to go through the ball carrier. You talk about bad intentions? Perryman has the worst for anyone carrying a ball on the field.
The first thing scouts notice about Perryman is his height. He doesn’t make it to six feet, and that causes a concern with his coverage skills at the next level. He also tends to go forward too much and is sometimes susceptible to play action plays.
Perryman has strong hands and is able to take on bigger blockers. He reads routes well when he drops into coverage. He has loose, fluid hips that allow him to take on slot receivers and tight ends.
While there is a concern with Perryman’s height, his height and body type is similar to London Fletcher. Fletcher played 16 seasons and never missed a game. Perryman will have a long way to go to be considered in Fletcher’s class, but he has the skills to have a very good career in the NFL. And those hits will keep coming.