Ronnie Perkins will be moving northeast to join the New England Patriots. The Patriots concluded Day 2 of the 2021 NFL draft by adding a defensive lineman. The man of the hour was Oklahoma EDGE Ronnie Perkins at 96th overall- the compensatory pick received for the departure of Tom Brady to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The battle begins in the tranches and Bill Belichick and Co. addressed the front unit. On many mock drafts and big boards, Perkins was a top 50 prospect and projected to go in the second round or early in the third. He fell to the late stage of the third round and the Patriots got a steal.
Belichick has always had a reputation for spotting talent and drafting well. Perkins certainly falls into that category. He was the only EDGE in college football to have a 90-plus grade as a run defender and pass rusher in 2020 per PFF. Perkins brings both flexibility and athleticism- two traits that Bill Belichick covets.
Perkins, a three-year starter at Oklahoma, lined up as a defensive end in Alex Grinch’s four-man front. He rushed standing up (two-point) or with his hand in the dirt (three-point) in certain looks. Perkins amassed 10.5 tackles for loss in six games in 2020. He has powerful hands to shed blockers and is quick off the ball. Consistently productive at Oklahoma and he will help boost New England’s run defense.
The Patriots’ run defense ranked 26th in the league in 2020 and Perkins will be an active run defender at the line of scrimmage. With the addition of Perkins and Christian Barmore, along with Davon Godchaux, Henry Anderson, Montravius Adams, and Lawrence Guy, the depth will improve the run defense in 2021.
Perkins can set the edge and move along the line of scrimmage to penetrate gaps in pursuit of ball carriers. New England uses a combination of a one-gap and two-gap in the defensive line. The Patriots’ will likely go with more of a 3-4 base defense and Perkins could rush standing up in an outside linebacker/designated pass rusher role. His skillset allows the freedom for a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Playing with guys like Matthew Judon, Dont’a Hightower, Chase Winovich, and Kyle Van Not will only elevate his game.