2015 NFL Draft: Should The KC Chiefs Target Denzel Perryman
With the uncertainty of Derrick Johnson’s return from his injury and the lack of a play maker at the number two inside linebacker spot, the KC Chiefs would be wise to take a close look at Miami inside linebacker Denzel Perryman in the 2015 NFL Draft.
2011
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Perryman was a productive player from the start at Miami. In his Freshman year he managed 47 Tackles, 22 Assists, 6.5 Tackles for Loss, one Sack, and two Forced Fumbles in 12 games played including five starts.
His 69 total tackles was good for the most among all ACC Freshman, and second on his team.
2012
Perryman only played in nine games due to injuries with six starts in his Sophomore 2012 season. He finished with 45 Tackles, 19 Assists, six Tackles for Loss, one Forced Fumble, and one Interception.
He still managed to finish second on the team with 64 total tackles, and first on the team in solo tackles. He also tied for first in the ACC in interception return touchdowns.
2013
Perryman started all 13 games of his 2013 Junior season at outside linebacker. He was still able to have a big year statistically. He finished with 69 Tackles, 39 Assists (Career High), five Tackles for Loss, 1.5 Sacks, and one Forced Fumble.
He was second in the ACC in solo tackles, and fifth in total tackles. He was named as a 2013 All-ACC First Team player, an All-American Honorable mention, and received Miami’s Hard Hitter and Team Defensive MVP awards.
2014
Perryman was able to put together the best year of his career in his Senior season. He had 79 Tackles (Career High), 31 Assists, 9.5 Tackles for Loss (Career High), two Sacks (Career High), three Forced Fumbles (Career High), and one Interception.
He was second in the ACC in solo tackles, tenth in the ACC in total tackles, fourth in the NCAA and second in the ACC in forced fumbles.
He was named 2014 All-ACC First Team, 2014 All-America Third Team, and 2014 Butkus Award Finalist.
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"Despite lacking desirable height, Perryman has the look of a prototypical inside ‘backer with a stout, thick frame. He is an instinctive and tough in-the-box defender who showed improved closing speed and explosiveness as a hitter in 2014.-Courtesy of Derek Stephens and Rob Rang of CBS Sports"
Perryman is slightly undersized as an inside linebacker in the NFL at 6 foot tall and 242 lbs. He never let his size slow him down in college where he was able to not only be one of the best tacklers in the ACC, but he was one of the fiercest hitters in the league.
Rob Rang of CBS Sports has Perryman projected to go to the Denver Broncos with the 31st pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. The KC Chiefs will likely have eleven draft picks thanks to compensatory picks, and they would be wise to use a second round pick on Perryman if he falls to them.
The KC Chiefs had a horrid run defense in 2014, and the lack of depth at inside linebacker was a big reason why. After losing Derrick Johnson to injury early in the season, the Chiefs were unable to find a suitable replacement.
Perryman could come in and fill the number two spot at inside linebacker next to Johnson, and learn from him for the next couple years. The best case scenario is Perryman one day being Johnson’s replacement.