Coming off their miraculous Super Bowl run, the New England Patriots are looking to build on the momentum they discovered in 2025. So far this offseason, they've done so with low-cost moves in free agency. Additions like Romeo Doubs, Dre'Mont Jones, and Kevin Byard have improved the roster without breaking the bank.
General manager Eliot Wolf will look to continue the trend in the 2026 NFL Draft. To completely fill out the roster with talented players, the Patriots will need to find impactful prospects in the later rounds. This team still has significant weaknesses, including at linebacker. Mike Vrabel won't want to enter the 2026 season with that room as it currently stands.
LSU product Harold Perkins Jr. could be a perfect fit in New England. He's a versatile defensive weapon, and it wouldn't take an early pick to get him.
Harold Perkins Jr. is Mike Vrabel's perfect Patriots draft steal
Perkins isn't a typical linebacker prospect. At just 223 pounds, he's much smaller than most players at his position. But his athleticism and nose for the football make him an intriguing prospect. The LSU backer consistently made game-changing plays throughout his collegiate career, racking up over 35 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, and eight forced fumbles.
He flies to the ball when he sees an open lane, closing in on ball carriers with blinding quickness.
LSU often used Perkins as a blitzer, where he truly stole the show. He timed his attacks to perfection and disrupted the pocket. Sure, his lack of size will limit his role in the NFL, but his skill set could be dangerous if used correctly.
Under Vrabel, the young linebacker could develop into a star. He wouldn't be on the field for every down in New England, but he would excel in clear passing situations.
Currently, the Patriots have a fairly limited linebacker room. Robert Spillane is a solid starter, but he even struggled on passing downs at times. Between Christian Elliss, Marte Mapu, and recent addition K.J. Britt, New England doesn't have another clear starter at the position. Adding Perkins to the group would give the Patriots a new way to attack on defense, opening up their playbook.
Best of all, the linebacker will likely be available as late as the fifth round of the upcoming draft. If he's there for the taking on Day Three, Vrabel and the Patriots have no reason to pass him up.