Patriots: 3 draft picks that prove Bill Belichick is still king
By Mike Luciano
2. Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma
Perkins had some off-field issues due to his suspension at Oklahoma, but when he’s locked in, there are few edge rushers that can compete with his athletic ability. Belichick made a tremendous value pick, adding a player that has second-round, potentially even borderline first-round, talent near the end of the third.
Perkins attacks the quarterback like he was launched out of a trebuchet, and his ability to convert speed into power is exemplary. Former Oklahoma State tackle Teven Jenkins is an excellent player, but he wanted no part of Perkins near the end of the Bedlam game, which was his finest this season.
Ronnie Perkins has tons of potential for the Patriots.
Perkins is not the best run defender at this stage, but Belichick has a way of turning players like him into awesome 4-3 defensive ends. Perkins, should he thrive in the structure Belichick and New England will provide for him, might be one of the biggest Day 2 steals in this entire draft class.
Perkins might have to lose snaps to Chase Winovich and new arrival Matt Judon in his first season in the league, but someone with this kind of speed from the defensive end position doesn’t normally last this late. Perkins should contribute as a rookie and help this defense rack up the sacks.