Whether Nick Perry is better suited as a 3-4 linebacker or 4-3 end remains to be seen, but what people can agree on is how much he produced while at USC. Perry was a disruptive force in the backfield after a disappointing sophomore campaign, logging 9.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.
Perry’s weakness was in the run game, and he combated that by adding weight over the past year. His technique could stand to be honed, but athletically, the extra weight did not appear to slow him down in the least after putting on a show at the combine.
For now, Perry will start his career as a 3-4 linebacker and it is hard to imagine him not starting opposite Clay Matthews on Week 1. Erik Walden was a disaster for the green and gold in 2011 grading negatively across the spectrum for an overall grade of -20.7. Perry will be an instant upgrade in the pass rush, however his coverage skills and stopping the run will be question marks in the early goings. This will undoubtedly attract more attention away from Matthews than Walden ever warranted. Matthews the early winner in IDP leagues, but don't be shocked to see Perry make his mark early.
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