It’s never too early to start thinking about next year. At least that’s how the folks over at Draft Wire treat life since everyday teams are on the clock.
The Houston Texans are hoping to land with the No. 32 overall pick in the first round after shoring up holes following a loss in the divisional round to Baltimore. Should they accomplish the feat, that would mean the AFC South would also be hoising their first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.
That, unfortunately, isn’t the case in Draft Wire’s latest mock. Despite picking 25th, Houston at least walks away with a promising prospect to build around on defense in LSU linebacker Harold Perkins.
A Houston native and freshman All-American, Perkins made his presence felt the second he arrived in Baton Rouge. As a freshman, he racked up 72 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles, three deflections and an interception.
Harold Perkins single-handedly ends Auburn's drive with back to back plays on Ashford. pic.twitter.com/fWfKbMqulL
— Matthew Brune (@MatthewBrune_) October 15, 2023
A year later, Perkins moved from the edge position to inside linebacker and didn’t find the same amount of success. Eventually, Brian Kelly elected to let him play back on the edge and saw him flourish once more.
Perkins finished with 75 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, six pass breakups and an interception while earning second-team All-SEC recognition.
Perhaps the biggest mystery surrounding the Tigers in 2024 is where Perkins will play this fall. Is he an edge rusher? How about a pure outside linebacker? Will new defensive coordinator Blake Baker try to help him shine at middle linebacker?
SEC Media Days: #LSU LB Harold Perkins talks about his initial impression of new DC Blake Baker. 🏈🏈
"First day of practice I saw him come out with cleats on, that made me laugh" 🐯🐯#SEC #SECMediaDays #LSU #GeauxTigers pic.twitter.com/rAn94XHf0h
— 104.5 ESPN (@1045espn) July 16, 2024
“He is an every-down linebacker that can play inside and out and has the ability to run, can obviously rush the passer, and also tackle from sideline to sideline,” Kelly said Monday at SEC Media Days.
How does Perkins view himself?
“I’m a ballplayer,” the 6-foot linebacker said.
Perkins’ height likely means he’ll transition inside to middle linebacker at the next level. That’s a positive since DeMeco Ryans has been a teacher of countless Pro Bowl-caliber talent, including San Franciso’s Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw and newly acquired Azeez Al-Shaair.
If you like #LSU LB Harold Perkins, this is who you hope he can eventually become in the NFL as an off-ball LB.https://t.co/1kxIY9GZ6C pic.twitter.com/E8nkrN5iHp
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) July 16, 2024
Houston will elect to move off Christian Harris once he becomes a free agent in 2025. Last season, the third-round pick out of Alabama totaled a career-high 101 tackles and two sacks in his first season under Ryans.
Ryans, however, could be targeting players who better fit his system. With Al-Shaair locked up through 2026, perhaps the Texans envision Perkins as the Greenlaw to the former’s Warner in the AFC South.
The Texans return to training camp on Thursday.