Rookie Player Profile: Breshad Perriman
Combine Review
Height – 6’2”
Weight – 212 pounds
Hands – 9.25”
Arm Length – 32”
40 Yard Dash – 4.26 seconds
20 Yard Split – 2.35 seconds
Vertical Jump – 36.5”
Broad Jump – 127”
Video Clips
Strengths
*Prototypical size for a wide receiver
*Size/speed freak
*Varies his speed and routes to beat defenders deep and underneath
*Large catch radius
*Uses hands well in press coverage
*Often beats defenders on vertical routes
*Plays with Joe Flacco (big arm) and offensive coordinator Marc Trestman (pass heavy)
Weaknesses
*Hands are inconsistent at times.
*Rounds off routes
*Lets catches get to his body too often
Let’s Compare
Perriman sizes up with both Dwayne Bowe and Darrius Heyward-Bey. Often considered a boom-bust prospect, Perriman has all the physical traits of a quality wide receiver but his hands are questionable. The bust camp of Perriman could be equal to that of Heyward-Bey. To be fair, Heyward-Bey was a more raw wide receiver who needed to develop. The Raiders have not been able to develop a wide receiver since Mr. Raider himself, Tim Brown. When comparing prospects I will take Ozzie Newsome scouting over that of that of Al Davis. I think Perriman is a faster Dwayne Bowe and Perriman’s speed matches well with the arm of Joe Flacco and the Trestman vertical attack. Perriman has elite top end speed and can high point the ball well. The loss of Torrey Smith meant that the Ravens needed to add a vertical threat that can play the outside and Perriman fits the bill. Look for him to develop well under the watchful eye of veteran wide receivers Steve Smith Sr. and wide 14 year NFL veteran wide receiver and current Ravens wide receiver coach, Bobby Engram. Perriman is in a great situation to grow as a wide receiver and hopefully dynasty owners get the best of Perriman rather than the worst.
Overall Skill Set
The Ravens needed a WR1 and Perriman is the size speed combo that gives them another option in the passing game. His ability to create separation with both his speed and his body helps him to win at the catch point in a variety of ways. Perriman is also the son of 14 year NFL vet Brett Perriman. He has the tools to beat defenders deep, but can also eat up chunks of yards after the catch. Perriman knows how to beat press coverage with his hands and can also defenders once he gets over the top. Drafting on potential comes with its upside for both the Ravens and fantasy owners, but Perriman does come with some warts.
Perriman bust potential is primarily due to his raw route running ability and questionable hands. Beating defenders at the collegiate level on nine routes says something about him as a vertical threat but he needs to run better routes to become a better all-around wide receiver. He does not run fluid routes and at times will round off his routes. He does a good job of creating separation with speed, but does not create a lot of separation with his routes. He is not a natural hands catcher and often double catches or lets the ball hit him in the body. Perriman lacks some details in his route running and needs to work on his concentration and hands in order to live up to his monster potential.
Short-term Expectations
I expect the UCF product to get immediate playing time for the Ravens. If Perriman becomes a solid route runner, he could develop into a well-rounded wide receiver in the vertical game and the possession routes. The Ravens need to get him some quality possession targets every game and boost his confidence. Steve Smith Sr. will see the majority of targets and Perriman and Maxx Williams will also get a fair share. Not to be counted out Darren Waller will likely see some red zone targets. Perriman should take on a solid share of targets in his rookie season. If he can brush up his hands and his routes he could blossom into a solid second year prospect for the Ravens and fantasy owners.
Long-term Expectations
A boom-bust is hard to predict when it comes to the long term expectations of an early round rookie in fantasy drafts. I love the same things about Perriman that Ozzie loves about him (size, speed, character). He will get every opportunity to succeed in Baltimore and will do it with Trestman and Joe Flacco. He is part of a great organization that is known for developing young talent. He will get a chance to prove himself day one and will continue to grow as a wide receiver. Steve Smith Sr. is still playing at a relatively high level and the Ravens also added rookie tight end Maxx Williams and this could mean more single coverage for Perriman. He lands in an ideal situation that will give him a lot of opportunities to grow as a football player and young professional and learn nuances of the position from a veteran wide receiver. I expect him to be no less than a quality WR3 in fantasy for the next few years with the potential to flirt with low WR1 numbers with the proper development.
NFL Comparison
Has the ceiling of Josh Gordon and bust potential of Cordarelle Patterson.
Projected Range for a Rookie Draft
Perriman has been drafted as early as 1.05 and as late as 1.09 in rookie drafts.
[/am4show]
- 3M Report: Week Ten - November 16, 2015
- 3M Report: Week Nine - November 9, 2015
- 3M Report: Week Eight - November 2, 2015
