I had some reservations about Perry since, and due to, him saying he prefers to play DE in a 4-3 back at the combine. Before that, this guy was a beast IMO. Usually guys don't give an answer to that question, but he was honest. The thing is, he was used to putting his hand on the ground so that's what he felt comfortable doing. Doesn't mean he can't stand up like Orakpo, and dominate with his strength and speed combination.
It's tricky projecting guys to either 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB. Most guys can be great at one, but not effective at the other.
Aaron Kampman was a very good DE, but not a stand up OLB. Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney might be the opposite.
Nick Perry.
I think he's
Brian Orakpo, who I think out-sacked Clay Matthews as the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2009 for Washington, out of Texas. Orakpo was big and strong, yet fast, like Perry. And his "negatives" were similar to what Perry's are. Stiff. Thick.
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Brian Orakpo
6’4, 260 pounds | Defensive end/OLB | Texas
Strengths: Orakpo has a
great initial burst off the line and closes quickly on the ball. Nicely drops back into coverage and understands his zone assignments. A top athlete for the position, Orakpo reportedly has a 40-inch vertical leap and a 600-pound squat. Possesses good functional playing strength, but has a frame that could handle more mass.
Weaknesses: The biggest question about Orakpo is his position. He has ideal size to be a 3-4 outside linebacker, but the strength to play 4-3 end. Doesn’t have the most awareness and can be fooled by misdirection plays. Relies too much on speed and strength instead of technique. Orakpo’s desire is questionable because it appears at time that he’ll take plays off. Needs to hustle more when a running play is past him.
Final word: No senior has helped himself as a pro prospect more this season than Orakpo. After starting the year possibly as a second-round player, he’s become the top senior defensive end in the nation. Slightly overlooked entering the season, Orakpo has emerged as a pass rush specialist.
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Nick Perry
6’3, 270 pounds | Defensive end/OLB | USC
Strengths:
Vast repertoire of effective pass rushing moves. Finesse and power. Can work outside and inside.
Elite get-off. Explodes off the snap.
Does a great job using his hands. Knocks down blockers arms, and sets his moves up well.
Has the speed to go right around the edge.
Has good frame with room to be maxed out.
Good motor, and good in pursuit. Never quits on a play.
Very smooth athlete. Does a good job playing in space.
Weaknesses:
Not a reliable run stopper.
Will most likely have to move from a 3 point stance, to a 2 point.
Struggles to disengage from bigger O-Lineman.
Would like to see him get better "Bend" around the edge.
Final word:
I absolutely love Nick Perry, I think he is underrated, and feel that if used correctly, he will end up being a big time pass rusher in the league. Perry has a very specialized set of skills and is not a fit in every scheme, as he is a bit undersized, and is not that great against the run. If put in a
3-4 scheme where he can just be asked to attack the pass rusher, he will wreak havoc on backfields, and be a guy that demands a double team on almost every play.
Perry is an elite athlete with tremendous explosion, possessing the ability to just blow right by his man. He also is a skilled, and experienced pass rusher who knows how to use his hands to set up moves, get the blocker going one way, then beat them going the other way.
His rip, swim, and spin moves are very effective, but also has the ability to work inside with a good bull rush, and power his way to the Quarterback. I don't see any way where Perry gets drafted to a 4-3 team, so he will need to transition from a 3 point stance, to a 2 point stance, but I don't see that being a problem at all for Perry, considering how good an athlete he is.
He could potentially go as high as
16 to New York, but likely won't make it past the Patriots with either of their picks, who are desperate for a pass rusher
.
-From NFLDraftGeek