The stud edge rusher and former Oklahoma football star Ronnie Perkins will find out where his NFL career will begin this week.
Listed at 6-feet, 2 inches and 263 pounds, Perkins is projected to go anywhere from the end of the first round to somewhere in the second in the 2021 NFL Draft, which kicks off on Thursday from Cleveland, Ohio, and runs through Saturday.
Many NFL teams require someone with Perkins’ skills and abilities, so expect him to be drafted and then be expected to make an immediate impact in the pass rush and stuffing the run wherever he lands.
A number of teams may be interested in Perkins, but who will actually pull the trigger and acquire the former Oklahoma defensive star? Currently, there seem to be three teams that are the most likely to draft him, but anything can happen in the opening couple of rounds of the draft.
The New York Jets own the 34th pick in the second round would be a great fit for any edge rusher, including Perkins. The Jets need someone to help off the edge and Perkins may be just the right candidate to help in that area.
Some may view Perkins’ selection early in the second round as a bit early, but he could go even earlier, or later. It all depends on how the draft shakes out.
The Seattle Seahawks are also a draft possibility, although their pick is late in the second round (56th overall). Perkins would have to slide a bit for Seattle to get him, but they could take him if he is available when they are on the clock in the second round.
Seattle is also in need of pass-rushing help. If the Seahawks’ defensive front hopes to be its own Legion of Boom, the addition of Perkins’ would be a great fit.
Perkins plays with intensity on every single play and has great strength to get past blockers in the both the run game and the pass rush. Teams such as Seattle that could use an aggressive threat off the edge will make the most of his services.
A team that could select the former Oklahoma standout as early as the first round is the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts play great team defense and acquiring a rusher like Perkins would solidify their unit.
An Indianapolis duo of Perkins and defensive tackle Deforest Buckner would open up plenty of opportunities for sacks for both players.
A first-round selection may be a bit of a reach in some people’s eyes, but the talent is more than there for the 21-year-old Perkins. But if put in the right defensive unit he can pose a real threat to opposing offensive lines. So while Perkins may not fit for some teams, other teams will make great use out of him and cause nightmares for defensive coordinators.
Other teams that could have an eye out for Perkins in the draft are the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, and Miami Dolphins.
No matter where Perkins goes, he will be expected to make the most out of the opportunity given to him, and Oklahoma football fans know he will and then some.