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2016 NFL Draft: Ohio State’s Josh Perry Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Josh Adams (33) is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Joshua Perry (37) and Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) an Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) during the first half of the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Josh Adams (33) is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Joshua Perry (37) and Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) an Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) during the first half of the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ohio State’s Josh Perry Scouting Report.

Josh Perry is a steady inside linebacker prospect who is routinely in the right position. He features good length and bulk for the position. Perry isn’t afraid to attack the line of scrimmage and use his hands to take on blockers. This separates him from many of the other linebackers in this draft as he doesn’t shy away from contact.

Perry’s arm length also plays a role in his ability to take on blockers as it allows him to keep the linemen off his frame. He possesses the upper body strength and heavy hands to disengage and make plays away from his frame.

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His combine numbers suggest that Perry is an explosive athlete, but there are times on the field where he doesn’t show that type of quickness. Perry can be a little hesitant and needs to trust his reads in order to explode towards the ball carrier.

However, he does show the ability to flow through traffic when working towards the sideline. Perry is an aware player who can identify screens and take proper angles to the football.

Throughout his college career, he has proven to be a strong leader and capable of making calls on the field. This is a reliable tackler who plays with patience and balance. A defensive coordinator can trust that Perry will be where he’s expected.

The one thing holding Perry back is his lack of game-changing plays. He needs to show that he’s capable of creating turnovers, making tackles behind the line of scrimmage and just making a bigger overall impact.

Perry is absolutely an NFL player, but needs to be more dynamic in order to really stand out.

Current Draft Position: 4th Round

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