Ronnie Perkins burst on the scene in 2018 when he was named as a freshman All-American (by ESPN) after leading the Sooners in quarterback sacks with five. He made eight starts that season, and appeared in all fourteen of Oklahoma’s games, totaling 37 tackles. He showed big potential in a stellar 2019 sophomore season that also ended in him being suspended for the College Football Playoff game against LSU. The 2019 season yielded 38 tackles (13.5 for loss) and 6.5 sacks but along with the suspension also came some criticism despite being named as a second-team All-Big 12 selection by league’s coaches and media.
Despite the suspension lasting through the first five games of the 2020 season, Perkins was still a second-team All Big 12 selection again after registering 24 tackles, 10.5 for loss, with 5.5 sacks in six games. There was significant discussion that Perkins could return to Norman for one more season in an effort to boost his draft stock to a first round lock but the writing was pretty much on the wall after Oklahoma won the Cotton Bowl that the next time he put on pads it would be for an NFL team.
| Height | Weight | Arms | Hands |
| 6-2.5 | 253 | 32-7/8″ | 9″ |
Perkins is driven by a strong motor, speed and violence. He’s a pass rushing specialists that could grow into a better run stopper in time. There’s still a lot of raw talent to be developed but an NFL team is going to have to show some patience until he’s ready to do more than just a guy who brings pressure off the edge.
Strengths
- Productive behind the line of scrimmage. (16.5 sacks and 32 tackles for loss in 33 game appearances)
- Sacks the quarterback with violence.
- Quickness allows him to slip off of blocks.
- Has a feel to work underneath in order to get to a scrambling quarterback.
- Can also be a pass rusher from the interior of the defensive line.
Weaknesses
- Has tight hips.
- Can get banged around a bit by physical offensive tackles.
- Needs more work at setting the edge.
- Not great as a run stopper.
- Will need time to develop beyond just being a pass rusher.
Draft Prediction
#50 Overall to the Miami Dolphins
I really like Perkins here near the midpoint of the second round. Miami is a near perfect fit as the Dolphins are expected to address offensive needs with their two first round picks but then start looking on the defensive side of the ball in the second round.
Some projections don’t have him going until the third round and if that’s the case then it opens up a wide variety of options for the St. Louis, Missouri native as multiple teams will be looking to improve their pass rushing capabilities.
Other possibilities could include the New York Giants at #42 and the Indianapolis Colts at #54. There is also talk that Seattle would be interested in him as a fourth round pick (#129) but there’s a strong possibility that he’ll be off the board well before then.
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