NFL Draft Combine 2012 Results: Nick Perry's Weight Proves He's a Top-15 Pick

After recording 9.5 sacks and 54 total stops as a junior at USC, Nick Perry's draft stock was extremely high. But now that he's turning heads at the NFL Combine, things are about to get even better for the young defensive end.

Before the Combine, Perry's potential was clear.

He is seen as a raw athlete. He has quick feet and a good initial burst that let him get to the quarterback effectively. Not only can he get through blockers with his strength; he can get around them with his amazing athleticism.

Perry is extremely fluid and has special change-of-direction skills that can make him a premier pass-rusher. The 21-year-old has the versatility to be a D-end in a 4-3 scheme or an outside linebacker in a 3-4 system. 

To sum him up, Perry is oozing with raw, athletic potential. As Mel Kiper would say, his upside is tremendous. He has the ability to make scouts drool. 

Still, like most young studs, Perry has his flaws.

The biggest flaw is his size. At 6'3", 250 lbs., it is questionable whether or not he has the strength to play end in the NFL.

But, now, maybe we should change "is" to "was" because reports from Indy are very good. According to Tony Pauline of SI.com, Perry looks downright impressive.

"

Nick Perry/USC blowing it up in training.270+ pounds and running exceptionally fast.

"

"— TonyPauline (@TonyPauline) February 24, 2012"

That's an extra 20 pounds—likely of muscle—and it appears he hasn't lost the speed or athleticism that gave him so much raw potential to begin with.

Sometimes it's not your 40 time or bench reps that improve your stock at the combine. It's how you look and how you measure, and it appears Perry has killed that portion of the test.

With that being said, if he combines his improved strength with good skill drills on Monday, Perry will continue to see his stock rise.

It's hard to believe 20 pounds makes such a difference, but when those 20 pounds come on a guy whose major weakness was once size, it's a big deal.

Nick Perry, your arrow is pointing up.