FanPost

2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Paul Perkins, RB

School: University of California-Los Angeles
College Experience: Junior
Age: 21
5-10/208 lbs
4.54 40 Yard Dash 1.62 10 YD Split
32 Vertical
10'4" Broad
19 Bench reps

622 carries, 3491, 29 TDs

Overview

After watching Perkins carry the ball once, I became interested in him. The next play, I had to make sure to remember his name. The play after that, he became my draft crush. After three consecutive runs, I already knew what Paul Perkins was as a runner: special. Perkins is one of the shiftiest runners I've ever seen take the field. In 2015, Perkins forced a missed tackle once every three carries, the second best rate among draft eligible RBs. He was PFF's highest graded back in pure rushing and 5th overall. Perkins leaves UCLA 3rd in school history in rushing yards and 1st in broken ankles(probably).

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Why hello Paul Perkins <a href="https://t.co/K4FU5WhogW">https://t.co/K4FU5WhogW</a></p>— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) <a href="

">April 6, 2016</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Paul Perkins is another good option. <a href="https://t.co/L0xpyr9WUA">https://t.co/L0xpyr9WUA</a></p>— Conor Myles (@MylesSheet) <a href="

">March 24, 2016</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">UCLA RB Paul Perkins 40-YD Dash 4.52 Time (Vine by <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexAlarcon49">@AlexAlarcon49</a>) <a href="https://t.co/t6ehkAqMxa">https://t.co/t6ehkAqMxa</a></p>— Perk32 (@PaulPerkins1) <a href="

">March 19, 2016</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/cottovic">@cottovic</a> would look nice in Silver and Black RT <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisBurke_SI">@ChrisBurke_SI</a>: Paul Perkins is good at the football. <a href="https://t.co/SsAHuyZIGU">https://t.co/SsAHuyZIGU</a></p>— Daniel Munoz (@AhSh3nanigans) <a href="

">March 18, 2016</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Paul Perkins (24) isn't afraid to stick his face in the fan...squares up a DT righ... (Vine by <a href="https://twitter.com/MoveTheSticks">@MoveTheSticks</a>) <a href="https://t.co/Ai5vOBkeH7">https://t.co/Ai5vOBkeH7</a></p>— Perk32 (@PaulPerkins1) <a href="

">March 17, 2016</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I really like UCLA RB Paul Perkins but he got obliterated in pass pro here by Maliek Collins <a href="https://t.co/Q77ZArtJhR">https://t.co/Q77ZArtJhR</a></p>— Draft Scout 24/7 (@DraftScout247) <a href="

">March 17, 2016</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trying to watch more of this kid today. Paul Perkins/UCLA <a href="https://t.co/UbgZnS0fZa">https://t.co/UbgZnS0fZa</a></p>— Patrick Conn (@DraftCowboys) <a href="

">March 17, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Strengths

  • Extremely shifty and elusive
  • Elite vision
  • Superb jump cut
  • Very patient
  • Runs with balance and power between tackles
  • Quick change of direction
  • Can make defenders miss in close quarters
  • Violent upfield and lateral burst
  • Easily breaks arm tackles
  • Often creates something out of nothing
  • Can stack and chain multiple moves together
  • Good balance
  • Decisive when working between the tackles or outside
  • Has had success in multiple blocking schemes
  • Willing to square up and take on a blitzer
  • Rarely caught dancing in the backfield
  • Good receiver out of the backfield
  • Contacted behind LOS on over 25% of carries but averaged 3.5 YAC on those plays
  • Usually falls forward

Weaknesses

  • Smallish frame
  • Doesn't have great breakaway speed
  • Not particularly strong
  • Not a polished blocker
  • Thin lower body
  • Played in a spread offense
  • Currently lacks "sand in his pants" to block NFL linebackers

NFL Comparison: Duke Johnson, CLE

How He Fits

If Perkins was as fast or strong as he was elusive, there's a good chance it would be him, not Ezekiel Elliot, who is the first RB off the board. However, he's not. Perkins isn't super fast or strong, but you have to love the way he runs. Most college RBs struggle with vision and patience entering the NFL, but Perkins is already elite in both of those categories. Any defender who tries to tackle Perkins is at risk of ending up on SportsCenters Top 10 Plays, and it probably won't be them making the play. I expect Perkins to be a top notch COP back and returner from day 1, and an eventual starter once he adds the needed weight to his frame and gets his blocking technique down. Perkins likely won't go in the first 2 rounds, giving some lucky team the chance to get possibly the steal of the draft.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.