Did The NFL Let Belichick Have Perkins Or Did The Patriots Scouting Department Fail?

The question recently was asked of how the NFL could give Ronnie Perkins to the Patriots. Honestly, I think Mac Jones was given to them and is the bigger steal but that's another story. 

We all know the Patriots have been accused of not doing proper scouting on draft picks and that everything has been about the interview. This year was supposed to be different. Prior to the draft I did a red flag report on all the quarterback prospects. So after hearing the question, I decided to see what Perkins's red flags were. Let's hope when finished that the Patriots did their homework and that majority of these are bogus.

Little note. This article will not have any positives, were going to act like everyone knows them. Perkins was supposed to be an early round player. This is going to be a list of red flags from scouting reports, to see if there's any red flags, that truly said don't draft this guy and if it's possible Belichick made a mistake and ignored them.

Perkins is inconsistent with his explosiveness. His first step is occasionally slow from scrimmage losing burst at the snap do to pre snap movements. Has low end - average foot speed for an edge defender at best. Hasn't shown the ability to turn his speed into extra power.

Clunky, little bend or flexiblity, relies to much on powering through blocks. Positioning his body to the advantage of more powerful tackles. Very stiff playstyle, shoulders and thin hips are as flexible as a 2x4. Agility is in need of major overhaul. Narrow base and hazardous technique setting the edge, makes him a safety liability.

Not a read and react player. Very average short stride foot quickness and lateral movement was a consistent problem. Struggles to close the C gap off tackle. Inconsistent pass coverage, especially when covering backs.

Short arms, not ideal for the position. Will need to learn technique to make up for natural deficiencies. Being undersized was occasionally an issue, as he gets knocked around. Lacks ideal size for defensive end and proportions are not ideal for outside linebacker. May need to add weight or hit the gym to tone out. Lack of size has been an occasional issue against the run.

Not great as a run stopper, especially standing up. Lack discipline in run assignments and maybe a liability against the run at the next level. Tendency to freelance on run plays, abandoning gaps and overshoots plays, putting himself out of position or worse out of the play completely.

Does not setting the edge consistently. Quits on outside containment plays as a pass rusher. Tendency to ignore backside and off ball responsibilities.

Occasionally misreads leading to big gains. Tendency to play with head down instead of on the ball or play. Poor play recognition and awareness after the snap. Plays with tunnel vision. Frequently goes for ankle tackles. Habit of drawing unnecessary penalties and reportedly gets mouthy with officials.

Undisciplined and raw pass rush. Lacks strength, cannot play inside. Poor use of hands, loses hand to hand fights too often for liking. Has no punch. One move defender, needs to learn multiple styles to beat blockers. Struggles to get off blocks and loses leverage. Too easy to reach and secure on the move. Can be a liability against the pass at the next level. 

Needs a lot of development for a top 64 pick. Inconsistent pro day and plays below scored numbers. Lacks size, strength, and ability to use athleticism for an edge defender. Raw and limited scheme-dependent player. Who may see limited time at the next level. Needs to sit and develop, especially setting the edge. 

May be too much/long of a project for some teams. With potential character issues that must be checked out, most notably drug use. Suspended along with teammate Rhamondre Stevenson just before a bowl game, shows a lack of reliability and a concern over commitment to the sport and team.

Scouting reports are occasionally way off and that maybe the case with his warnings. Some teams take chances on high risk- high reward players. Some teams stay away from high risk players. The question was asked how could the NFL let Perkins fall to the Patriots. If this report is anything close to how teams saw the red flags from him, in a few seasons we might be asking why Belichick took him after everyone else passed.