Paul Perkins, RB UCLA
Height: 5′ 10 3/8”
Weight: 208 lbs
Hands: 9’’
Arm: 31 5/8’’
40 yard dash: 4.54 (combine)

NFL Comparisons: Devonta Freeman, Duke Johnson, Felix Jones
Click here to view our exclusive Pro Day Tour footage of Perkins

via GIPHY

Scouting Notes: Paul Perkins isn’t a burner, and he’s not particularly stout, yet he’s been incredibly hard to bring down during his career at UCLA. His elusiveness can be attributed to his impeccable vision, nimble feet, and a jump-cut that is second to none in college football. Perkins is also considerably patient in waiting for his blocks, all the while churning his feet and shifting his body to avoid would-be tacklers. An able pass catcher, he’s got the skills to stay on the field for an entire series. Perkins lacks the power to be a consistent tackle-breaker in the NFL like he was in college, though as he’s not trunk-heavy like you’d want a three-down back to be. Blocking also seems to be an afterthought at times, mostly when he’s not involved in the play.

Fantasy Outlook: Durability concerns, due to his slight frame, will keep Perkins out of the first couple rounds of the draft. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s drafted in the third though — his explosive, slashing style is sure to grab some opportunistic team’s affection. That kind of game-breaking ability makes him a potential fantasy steal in the right offense, but it’s yet to be seen if he can be so elusive against NFL lineman who are much quicker on the whole than their college counterparts. Until we learn where Perkins lands in the draft and the situation he falls to, he should be targeted as a third-round dynasty rookie-league pick in standard 12-team leagues.

Quotes from the Combine:

On the conditions of the NFL Combine, and lack of food:

“I’ve been preparing for this. Bringing peanut butter & jellies, granola bars, trail mix, and all sorts of stuff. Snacks and water are key.”

On what he needs to show this week:

“I have to open eyes. Run faster than people think I’m going to run, jump higher than people think I’m going to jump, and bench more than people think I’m going to bench. Just exceed expectations.”

On his expected 40 time:

“I have one in mind, but you’ll have to wait and see.”

On what got him to this point:

“Definitely hard work, and great family support, and strong values.”

On sharing the RB position with Myles Jack:

“He’s a monster. I learned how to maneuver my body a little bit, and we definitely learned things from each other.”

On his other options when joining UCLA:

“Probably Northwestern, but I didn’t have many offers, in all honesty.”

On his ideal scheme fit:

“I honestly feel I can do all of them. Run gap, run zone, play on passing downs. I can play a role in any scheme.”

On talking to Brett Hundley:

“Definitely. Just asked him about this whole process. We go way back to running track together years ago. I didn’t talk to him too much while he was at Green Bay, but he helped me mature while at UCLA.”

On the importance of where he’s drafted:

“It doesn’t matter. I just need the opportunity to go out there and prove myself, regardless of round, or what position they want me to be.

On who he compares himself to:

“I try to idolize myself after Marshall Faulk. He was a role model of mine. I think he could do it all. Great runner, great pass blocker, and tremendous catcher of the ball.”