Denzel Perryman LB Miami FL #52
Wt: 236
[level-scouting-reports]
Size/Athleticism: Lacking height and length. Decent athleticism in terms of speed and range, but not a smooth athlete in terms of change of direction ability to fluid agility in coverage.
Run Defense: Impressive range. Slippery when working through traffic but gets easily blown up when a lineman takes a shot on him. Size really hurts him, as even tight ends and receivers can knock him out of a play if they line him up and lock on to him. Impressive closing speed. Misses some tackles due to his short arms as he fails to fully wrap guys up. Hard hitter.
Pass Rush: A non factor aside from an occasional delayed blitz.
Coverage: Somewhat limited in his coverage ability due to stiff hips, which really hurts his value as an undersized linebacker. At his best in zone coverage when playing the middle of the field, requiring limited movement and only the ability to read the quarterback. Easily boxed out by tight ends.
Intangibles: Praised by coaches for his intensity and work ethic. Team captain.
Durability: Missed time with ankle injury in 2012.
[/level-scouting-reports]
Overview: Perryman is a tough player to grade because he’s essentially a two-down linebacker, but may lack the size to really excel against the run at the next level. If you trust that his recognition skills and ability to avoid contact in traffic will translate to the pros, he could be a quality two-down linebacker, but there have to be some doubts due to his limited size which allows blockers to take him out when the get a shot on him.
