NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for LSU LB Harold Perkins

Matt HolderJan 29, 2026

Hybrid linebackers have become more popular in the NFL, and Harold Perkins fits the description to a tee. LSU used him all over its defense, lining him up at off-ball linebacker, on the edge and over the slot, thus helping develop a versatile skill set.

The 6'1", 222-pound backer began his collegiate career as a 5-star recruit and the No. 8 player in the 2022 prep class.

Perkins became a starter halfway through his true freshman season, and accumulated 72 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, an interception, two passes defended and four forced fumbles. A a result, he was named in Freshman All-American and first-team All-SEC performer.

Perkins continued to be productive as a sophomore, racking up 75 tackles, 13 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, an interception, five PDs and a conference-leading three FFs to become a second-team All-SEC performer. His early performances led to plenty of preseason hype in 2024, but a torn ACL limited the defender to just four games.

After surgery ahead of this past season, the New Orleans native saw a dip in production with 56 tackles, eight TFLs, four sacks and one FF, but he did snag three interceptions and became a third-team All-SEC selection.

Matt Holder has been a part of B/R's Scouting Department for four seasons. He also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL draft for SB Nation's Silver and Black Pride, and co-hosts a YouTube Channel, Tape Don't Lie, providing film breakdowns and more draft prospect analysis.

Where He Wins

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- Perkins is a good all-around athlete, which helps him cover tight ends.

- His lateral movement skills and short-area quickness help tighten throwing windows and allow him make plays on the ball in zone coverage.

- Good speed to carry the seam in Tampa 2 or click-and-close against checkdowns when playing underneath coverage.

- When blitzing, he finds pass-rush lanes well, with the speed to close on the quarterback. Also, Perkins has enough strength to occasionally beat running backs with power.

- Physical and takes on blocks with his hands as a run-defender, allowing him to defeat blocks from bigger wide receivers and tight ends.

- Hustle player, who doesn't quit on plays. As a result, he will make touchdown-saving tackles.

- Versatile after being used all over the field, with the ability to contribute at multiple levels and several different spots in a pinch.

Areas of Improvement

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- Perkins is undersized by NFL linebacker standards. He could add extra mass to hold his ground when taking on blocks and increase effectiveness/consistency as a pass-rusher.

- Instincts are lacking as a run-defender. He's a little slow to diagnose plays. Also, he has issues locating the ball in the backfield against read options.

- Often gets stuck on blocks in the run game.

- Experienced several mental lapses in coverage where he'll lose his man, cover the wrong receiver or drift out of his area. Also, he has slow run-pass transitions against play-action and tends to leave his man instead of plastering during scramble drills.

- Angles in pursuit are inconsistent, often being too shallow.

- Pad-level when tackling is a problem. He's frequently too high or likes to dive at ankles, leading to a lot of misses.