Look up any fantasy analyst’s 2016 rookie running back rankings, and you will be sure to find Paul Perkins. Why?
The Football Player
Paul Perkins is easy to like after a few minutes on draftbreakdown.com. He’s powerful, patient, shows good balance and is a competent receiver. Perkins was a productive back at UCLA compiling over 4200 yards from scrimmage, 80 receptions, and 32 touchdowns. He broke out at age-19 and will enter the NFL draft at 21.
The Athlete
Unfortunately, Paul Perkins did not test very well at the combine. Zach Whitman’s calculation of SPARQ puts him in the 27th-percentile among NFL running backs. That’s not horrific and he still has the chops to make it in the NFL. He’s not a bulletproof prospect in the least, but he offers rushing ability with upside as a receiver out of the backfield.
Paul Perkins Similar Prospects on RotoViz.com
His best comparable is easily Marshawn Lynch and others like Joseph Randle, Shane Vereen, and Devonta Freeman have all had some level of success in the NFL.
Conclusion
Paul Perkins is currently the RB7 and 20th overall player in dynasty rookie drafts (per DynastyLeagueFootball.com). He’s my RB8 and 17th overall player in the draft class and I’ll be looking to grab him at the end of the 2nd round. If he falls into mid or late day 3 of the NFL draft, I’ll be looking to get him at discount in the third. Perkins doesn’t need to land in Philadelphia or Indianapolis to be productive for your fantasy squads. Don’t worry about the situation. I firmly believe that situations will work themselves out and since running backs are the gladiators of the NFL, Perkins could be a future teammate’s injury away from benefiting your team.
