The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Arizona Cardinals made a bold statement with their first-round selection: Harold Perkins, taken sixth overall. The move immediately ignited debate across social media, sports talk shows, and fan forums. Some questioned the decision, noting that the Cardinals already have depth at edge rusher with Cody Simon and Owen Pappoe. Yet, a deeper dive into Perkins’ skill set, versatility, and potential role within the Cardinals’ defense suggests this could be one of the most forward-thinking moves in the draft.
Why Perkins at No. 6?
At first glance, the pick might seem redundant. Simon has shown flashes of elite pass-rushing ability, Pappoe has steadily developed into a reliable edge presence, and veteran Josh Sweat, while entering the latter stage of his career, still brings experience to the rotation. So why spend a top-10 pick on a player at a position already considered solid?
The answer lies in the concept of adaptability. Perkins is not just another edge rusher; he’s a defensive Swiss Army knife. At LSU, he excelled in multiple roles: lining up on the edge, rotating inside as a linebacker, dropping into coverage, and even lining up in hybrid positions that confuse opposing quarterbacks. His combination of speed, agility, and football IQ makes him capable of impacting every phase of the defense. Arizona saw in Perkins a player who doesn’t just fill a position—he enhances the entire defensive unit.
“We were looking for a versatile, high-IQ player who can do multiple things at a high level,” a source inside the Cardinals’ front office told ESPN. “Harold checks every box. He’s the kind of player who gives us flexibility we’ve never had before.”
The Cardinals’ Edge in 2025
Jordan Burch, the team’s emerging defensive anchor, has established himself as a dominant force on one side of the line. Simon and Pappoe provide youth and pass-rush potential, but the rotation still required a player capable of adapting to multiple situations. Enter Perkins.
In base defensive sets, Perkins can play as a traditional 4-3 outside linebacker, setting the edge against the run and generating pressure off the quarterback. In sub-packages, he can line up outside in a 3-4 scheme, forcing opposing offensive tackles into awkward matchups. And in creative, complex defensive looks, he can drop into coverage, spy mobile quarterbacks, or disrupt screen passes. His flexibility allows Arizona to rotate players without losing effectiveness, which is crucial against the pass-heavy offenses of the NFC West.
College Film and NFL Projection
Watching Perkins’ tape from LSU, it’s clear why Arizona was willing to make a high investment. He shows excellent burst off the line, maintains discipline in run defense, and has a rare ability to read plays in real-time. On passing downs, his edge rush is explosive, yet he’s equally comfortable dropping back into coverage when needed—a skill that few edge players in this draft class can match.
Perkins’ NFL readiness is bolstered by his intelligence and work ethic. Coaches at LSU consistently praised his ability to learn complex schemes, and reports indicate he’s already shown the same traits in Arizona’s rookie minicamp. Defensive coordinator sees Perkins as a player who could start immediately, rotate into multiple positions, and potentially redefine the team’s defensive identity.
“Harold has the kind of versatility that changes how you build a defense,” the coordinator said. “We can scheme around him, put him where he’s most effective, and trust that he can execute. That’s invaluable.”
Impact on the Rest of the Roster
Perkins’ presence affects more than just the defensive line. Simon and Pappoe now have a model of versatility in practice. They can focus on sharpening their edge-rush techniques while seeing firsthand how a player can impact the game in multiple ways. The Cardinals’ pass-rush rotation becomes deeper, more dynamic, and harder to predict.
Veteran players like Sweat can now ease into specialized roles, and younger players can learn from Perkins’ adaptability. Essentially, the addition of one high-IQ, multi-dimensional player changes the entire defensive culture.
Challenges Ahead
No rookie transition is seamless. Perkins will need to adjust to faster, more skilled NFL offensive linemen and maintain discipline while moving between multiple roles. He will also face expectations to perform immediately, given his draft position and the attention his selection has received. Yet, his track record suggests he thrives under pressure. His experience at LSU, coupled with his film study habits and preparation routines, gives Arizona confidence that he can meet the challenge.
Long-Term Vision
Beyond immediate impact, Perkins fits the Cardinals’ long-term defensive vision. The team isn’t simply drafting for depth—they’re building a defense capable of evolving with the league. Perkins’ versatility ensures that Arizona can adjust to future offenses, whether it’s mobile quarterbacks, run-heavy schemes, or spread formations. He’s a player designed for today’s NFL but also adaptable enough to remain a cornerstone for years to come.
The Bottom Line
Harold Perkins isn’t just an edge rusher. He’s a Swiss Army knife, a strategic chess piece, and a potential game-changer. While some may still debate the wisdom of using a top-10 pick on a position with existing talent, Arizona’s move reflects vision, adaptability, and confidence in their scouting. If Perkins lives up to his potential, he will not only solidify the Cardinals’ edge rotation but elevate the entire defense to a level previously unseen in the franchise.
The Cardinals’ 2025 draft may well be remembered as the year they embraced versatility, innovation, and long-term thinking. And at the center of that strategy is Harold Perkins—ready to prove that sometimes, the smartest moves are the ones that surprise you.
