The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be in the linebacker market ahead of the NFL Draft, and that’s quite surprising given that their top-five linebackers are set to return in 2026. However, with several players on the last year of their deals, Pittsburgh could be trying to get ahead of its future needs.
And one player who they have already expressed interest in this year is Harold Perkins, a star defender for the LSU Tigers. He’s played multiple positions during his career, but where will he primarily play at the next level? Here is our scouting report on the former SEC star:
Harold Perkins 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Height: 6007
Weight: 223 pounds
40 Yard Dash Time: Did Not Run At NFL Combine, Ran 4.38 At Pro Day
Recruiting: 5-star recruit, No. 5 ranked prospect, No. 1 ranked LB prospect
College Production: 43 games, 220 tackles, 35.5 tackles for a loss, 17 sacks, 8 forced fumbles and 5 interceptions,
Positives:
- Filled up the stat sheet at LSU. One of the few college football players ever with 30+ TFLs and 5+ interceptions.
- Played multiple positions during a four-year career. Over 600+ snaps as an EDGE, off-ball linebacker, slot defender.
- Very natural athlete who is comfortable playing in space. Incredibly fluid and has insane flexibility in his ankles.
- Plays bigger than his actual size. Not afraid to take on blocks and knows how to use his lack of size to his advantage.
- Above average instincts and that has allowed him to make progress as a coverage linebacker.
- Had a 7.5 sack season as a freshman pass rusher for LSU. Could be a phenomenal blitzer at the next level.
- Has special teams experience and that should help ease his transition to the NFL.
There is something to be said about being a football player, and often, that’s the best compliment you can give a player. Perkins just finds ways to make plays and has been a productive playmaker whenever he’s been on the field. There are some obvious size concerns, but the hope is that he can continue to be a versatile weapon in the NFL. And the fact that he does have special teams experience helps raise his floor as a prospect.
Negatives:
- Never really progressed as a player since his freshman season, when he was used mostly as a pass rusher.
- Still learning how to be a traditional off-ball linebacker. 2025 tape was up-and-down while playing that position.
- Will always be one of the most undersized linebackers in the NFL. Has very small hands (8 1/8”).
- Not a lot of power to his game. Could struggle to tackle bigger running backs and receivers at the next level.
- Lack of length shows up when taking on blocks far too often.
- Can make plays in coverage, but his down-to-down consistency as a zone defender in coverage is spotty.
Perkins can have a role in the NFL, but defensive coordinators are going to have to be creative in how they use him. At just under 6-1 and under 225 pounds, Perkins can’t be used as a traditional linebacker. He doesn’t have the bulk to play between the tackles, and his coverage ability just isn’t quite there yet. That doesn’t mean he isn’t talented, but he has a lot of growing to do before he can become an every-down player.
Harold Perkins NFL Player Comparison: Dee Winters, San Francisco 49ers
Winters was a sixth-round pick by the 49ers during the 2023 NFL Draft and has greatly outplayed his draft slot. Despite being under 6-0, Winters has been a productive weakside linebacker for the 49ers and started all 17 games for them in 2025. There will always be some physical limitations, but Winters is proof that Perkins can be successful at the next level.
Harold Perkins Fit With The Pittsburgh Steelers:
The Steelers will meet with Perkins as one of their allotted 30 visits, but it’s unclear how he might fit Patrick Graham’s defense. Graham did use Jamal Adams as a full-time linebacker last season, and the size difference is minimal between Perkins and Adams. So that’s a potential comp, but he would likely be a nickel linebacker and reserve pass rusher who could wear a few different hats on gameday.
Harold Perkins NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3 Pick
Perkins is a tough player to figure out, as his best season (2022) happened when he was a true freshman, and he never progressed as a player. Injuries played a factor, but his best play seemed to come as a pass rusher rather than a traditional off-ball linebacker. His off-ball linebacker tape is fine, but his lack of size and bulk could make the transition tough for him at the next level. Perkins is an instinctual player, and he does have some positional versatility, but expect him to be a Day 3 pick and be a key special teams player early in his career.