Paul Perkins NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Giants Rookie

POSITIVES

A redshirt junior, Paul Perkins has been the man at UCLA for the past two-and-a-half seasons. Starting four games as a redshirt freshman in 2013, Perkins put himself on the map for future NFL drafts. Then, in 2014, Perkins firmly established himself as a top runner with 1,572 yards—tops in the Pac-12. His follow-up performance in 2015 was once again electric, as he went for 1,343 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns.

Perkins doesn't have track-star speed, but he's an agile, quick-footed back with the skills to either spot the hole or move laterally to create on his own. He uses his leverage to pop defenders when they get in his face, but he wins with lateral quickness and loose hips.

Perkins will make defenders hug air when they track him down. He's shifty and instinctive when juking or spinning away from tacklers. He shows urgency when cutting and has the awareness to feel cutback lanes.

An inside/outside runner, Perkins is equally good bouncing to the edge or getting low to attack on inside runs.

You don't want to take him off the field in third-down situations, as Perkins showed with his 56 catches in the last two seasons. He's not a huge blocker, but he's capable of mirroring a rusher and will gladly step up to defend a blitz.

NEGATIVES

There aren't many complaints about Perkins' game. The biggest, though, is he's not special in terms of speed or size—instead showing off great cutting ability. In a height/weight/speed league, Perkins' average testing could hurt his stock for some teams.

The second-most glaring issue is his workload over the last two-and-a-half years. With 487 carries during the last two seasons, on a frame that is already on the smaller side, Perkins may have taken his hits for free in college.

Perkins' 4.54 speed will draw some concerns, especially with inconsistent play speed. He has to learn to vary up his pace to have sustained success in the pros.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 5'10 5/8"

Weight: 208 lbs.

40 Time: 4.54s

3-Cone: N/A

Short Shuttle: N/A

PRO COMPARISON: Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons
FINAL GRADE: 6.50/9.00 (Round 2—Rotational Player)