When Harold Perkins Jr. hit the NFL Combine track, he didn’t just turn heads — he broke the mold of what a linebacker can be.
Perkins, the 6’1”, 221-pound linebacker from LSU, ran an eye-watering 4.40 40-yard dash — the 4th fastest 40-yard dash in combine history for a linebacker. That places him in elite company and immediately vaults his draft stock into the top 10 conversation for the 2027 NFL Draft.
An Athletic Profile That Defies Position Norms
Perkins didn’t stop with just an elite 40 time. His full combine testing was nothing short of otherworldly:
- 40-yard dash: ~4.40 — historically rare for any linebacker
- 39″ vertical leap: elite explosiveness for his size
- 6.92 three-cone drill: agility numbers usually seen from defensive backs
- 4.36 short shuttle: fluid change-of-direction that puts many DBs to shame
These kinds of numbers — especially at 6’1″ and 221 pounds — are more typical of cornerbacks or safeties. For context, the 40 times among corners at this year’s combine ranged from ~4.28 down to the mid-4.30s, with several under 4.40. A linebacker posting at the level Perkins did is essentially unprecedented — a blend of pure speed, explosion, and agility usually reserved for the secondary or elite edge rushers.
Draft Analysis: Where Perkins Fits in the 2027 Class
Prospect evaluators have long touted Perkins as one of the most dynamic defenders in this draft cycle. His rare athletic profile — especially his speed and burst — have drawn comparisons to hybrid, modern linebackers who can do it all in today’s NFL. Analysts have even linked his tools to players who can stay on the field in multiple packages, from run defense to coverage to blitzing looks.
Player Comparisons / Archetypes
- Patrick Willis (Ole Miss) — similar in instinct and versatility
- Christian Harris (Alabama) — play speed and sideline-to-sideline range
These comps highlight the sort of impact he can have at the next level when used creatively.
Strengths That Make Him Draft Gold
Elite Athleticism:
Perkins’s combine puts him in an elite class of straight-line speed and explosiveness that simply isn’t common at linebacker. His agility drills — the three-cone and shuttle — showed the kind of fluid hips and quick feet you’d expect from a defensive back, signaling readiness for coverage duties in today’s pass-heavy NFL systems.
Versatility:
On film and in drills, Perkins has shown he can blitz, chase down ball carriers, drop into zones, and chase quarterbacks. His toolset screams three-down contributor.
Range and Pursuit:
His ability to cover ground faster than most offensive skill players gives defenses a weapon against screens, swings, and mismatches in space.
Areas to Watch / Development Needs
While his athletic testing was historic, some scouts still point out areas where Perkins can refine his game:
- Size & Strength: At 221 pounds, he’s lighter than typical pro linebackers and may need to add strength to sustain blocks from larger NFL offensive linemen.
- Coverage Consistency: His coverage instincts are promising, but there have been moments on tape where advanced route combinations tested him. Continued refinement will be key.
- Football IQ in Space: Elite athletes can sometimes rely on pure tools — translating those into consistent high-level decision-making on every snap is crucial for top-10 prospects.
Top-10 Lock Status After the Combine
Before the combine, Perkins was already on the draft board radar as a very intriguing LB prospect. After posting one of the fastest linebacker 40 times ever recorded at the combine, his stock has skyrocketed. A performance like this essentially forces front offices to reconsider linebacker value — his speed and agility put him in the top-tier conversation, and in many minds, places him firmly within Top 10 consideration heading into draft season.
For many teams, a linebacker with cornerback-level speed and true three-down versatility is precisely the type of modern defender NFL defenses are built around.
Bottom Line: Harold Perkins Jr. just redefined the linebacker prototype. With elite straight-line speed, explosive testing numbers across the board, and a skill set that matches today’s defensive demands, he’s now unquestionably one of the most exciting prospects in the 2027 draft cycle.
