How'd that long hair work for A.J. Hawk? ;-)


Reading his comments, he doesn't sound thrilled about being moved to OLB.

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool 

DE Nick Perry, USC (Jr.) 6-3, 271
Overall Pick No. 28 CFN Overall Ranking: 22
CFN Analysis: Perfect. The Packers needed more defensive help and really needed more pass rushing help for Clay Matthews. There are concerns and he has to prove he can bring it game-in and game-out, but there’s a world of upside with the potential to dominate with so much attention paid to Matthews on the other side. It was a little bit of a surprise that the Packers didn’t go for more of a hybrid outside linebacker, but there’s no arguing with the idea of improving the line.

A typical superstar USC recruit, he’s right out of central casting with the rocked up look and strength to match. Throw in his tremendous speed – clocking in under a 4.6 at the Combine – and all the tools are there. At the very least if he doesn’t turn out to be an all-around playmaker, he’ll have a good career as a pass rushing specialist with the ability to turn the corner on a dime. Can he put it all together and be a consistent pro? He was a good college player and turned in a disruptive 2011, but he might be a one-trick pony. That trick, though, could be really, really good if a team isn’t too concerned about stopping the run.
CFN Projection: Second Round

I don't mean to take all the subtlety and complexity out of the game, but acceleration off the ball from a 3-point stance vs. standing up basically comes down to technique. And Perry will be asked to rush the passer. With all the nickel defense Green Bay runs, I'm excited about what Perry can do.

Originally Posted by: evad04 

NICK PERRY, OLB, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

What NFL scouts told Bob McGinn of the Journal Sentinel about outside linebacker Nick Perry, the Green Bay Packers' first-round selection:

AFC scout: "He's got great potential. He could play anything he wants. He played during the year at 250 some and at the combine, I thought he was nuts, he was 271. He still ran in the 4.5s. He's explosive."

AFC scout: "Very steady. Complete player. Can handle the run well. He's a very good pass rusher. Not like the (Dwight) Freeney type. Solid. He needs to be respected. He's not as explosive as Clay Matthews. He'd probably be a little stronger against the run as an end."

AFC scout: "He's the kid from Ohio State (Vernon Gholston). Buyer beware there. He's a good athlete that, let's just say, is a little soft."

NFC scout: "His motor is OK. Hot and cold a little bit. He's a talented guy. He will go high."

Rick Reiprish, New Orleans: "I think he's a 4-3 guy. That suits him better."

NFC scout: "Workout guy who doesn't play good."

NFC scout: "He's a little bit like (Andre) Branch. He's scheme versatile. He's got some pop in his body, that explosiveness that you look for. Yet, you didn't see him rush all the time at SC. He's got a lot of potential as a rusher. He's got the size, speed and athleticism to play outside backer. If you're betting on the up side with any of these players, this would be the guy to do it with. From what I know, he's an OK kid. No huge red flags."

Nick Perry – USC – 6-2 – 271:

A talented former top recruit with great physical tools and athleticism, Nick Perry is a player who put everything together in 2011 to have a fine junior season before opting to make the jump to the NFL. A two-year starter for the Trojans, Perry produced 103 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, and 21.5 sacks over the course of his career; his best statistical season came in 2011 during his junior year when he made 54 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. A natural pass rusher with a true understanding of what it takes to get to the quarterback, Nick owns the combination of size, strength (35 reps on bench), and athleticism needed to start at the next level. Perry comes off the ball with more build-up speed than explosion, however he shows the ability to get up the field before bending down, dipping his shoulder, and beating the tackle to the outside. He’s shown that he can consistently pressure the edge, if not run the arc as a pass rusher, as he owns good range outside to cover ground quickly. Although he’s not a quick-twitch defender, he displays nice quickness and lateral agility to side-step the tackle and beat him to the outside, and shows the balance and coordination needed to change directions quickly in the open field. Nick shows enough of a pass rush repertoire to suggest that he is still developing here; he shows good hand use in being able to bat the offensive lineman’s hands down before attempting to rip through the line. He’ll need to continue to refine and work on his swim and rip moves, however he’s got a fine start here. A high motor player who offers great effort on every play, Perry does a great job of chasing the quarterback down once he’s penetrated the line of scrimmage and shows a nice burst to close in short areas. When in position to make the sack, he also does a great job of striking not only the quarterback, but also aiming to jar the ball loose, having forced five fumbles in the past two years. As a pass rusher, he plays with good leverage at the point of attack, displaying the type of flexibility needed to play underneath the opposing blocker. Nick does a very good job of getting his long arms (33 inches) up to obstruct passing lanes when he can’t get to the quarterback, having batted down six passes in the last two seasons. As a run defender, Nick shows the ability to extend out and set the edge, understanding how to play with proper leverage, however he’s still too inconsistent here and will need to develop better strength in his lower body in order to become more effective. He does a much better job of simply shedding the block off the snap and closing down the line quickly to tackle the running back as he’s entering the hole. If Perry changes positions to outside linebacker, he will have to learn to play in space better, where he looks lost most of the times.

Originally Posted by: Arrigo 

NFC scout: "Workout guy who doesn't play good."

TwinkieGorilla: "NFC scout who doesn't grammar good."

Originally Posted by: TwinkieGorilla