One of the bigger needs the Atlanta Falcons had going into the 2026 NFL Draft was at linebacker. The Falcons decided to double up at this spot, taking Oklahoma's Kendal Daniels in the fourth round and later Harold Perkins Jr. from LSU in the sixth.
Even though they didn't like Atlanta's class much overall, Daniels has been singled out as a solid pick by Pro Football Focus. Perkins is also getting some love from the media, with ESPN's Field Yates naming him one of his favorite picks from the sixth round of the draft.
"The hardest question to answer about Perkins throughout the predraft process was whether he would play off-ball linebacker or edge rusher in the NFL. Either way, this is strong value for Atlanta this late in the sixth round. Perkins played all over for LSU during his college career, showcasing electric speed and open-field movement skills. He has some pass rush and coverage ability that will travel to the NFL. At the very least, he can be a factor on special teams."
Perkins (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) put in 43 games at LSU, posting 17 sacks, 35.5 tackles for a loss, five interceptions and eight forced fumbles.
Hide your QBs@HP113k incoming ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/5oRQJMVieJ
Atlanta needed depth at both spots, so deciding whether Perkins should be playing on the edge or off the ball is a good problem to have for new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
USA TODAY Sports IMAGESCLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 08: Avieon Terrell #8 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play during the second half of a football game against the Florida State Seminoles at Memorial Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after a pass defense during the fourth quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 28: Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after intercepting the ball during the first half of a football game against the Stanford Cardinal at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)Dec 29, 2023; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) tackles Kentucky receiver Tayvion Robinson (9) near safety Jalyn Phillips (1) during the third quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY SportsKentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dane Key (6) carries Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) exchange words after Key took a long pass to the 5-yard line while being defended by Terrell during the first quarter. The Kentucky Wildcats faced off against the Clemson Tigers Friday, December 29, 2023, in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. The Wildcats led 14 to 10 at the half. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) during Clemson football practice at Jervey Meadows in Clemson, S.C. Wednesday August 7, 2024.Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) during the first practice at Clemson, S.C. Friday, August 4, 2023.Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) catches a pass as Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) defends during the second quarter of the CFP National Playoff first round game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesAUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Jaydon Blue #23 of the Texas Longhorns runs the ball against Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers during the second quarter in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)USA TODAY IMAGESATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 6: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up prior to the game against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) celebrates with offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) after a touchdown catch against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesKNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 13: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates with Oscar Delp #4 after the 44-41 OT win over the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball after a reception against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter of the game at Sanford Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.Zachariah Branch of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 28, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs returns a kickoff during the third quarter against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) gestures after a first down against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesGeorgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) carries the ball during the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia wideout Zachariah Branch (WO09) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesUSA TODAY Sports ImagesOklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) reacts during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesNORMAN, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 22: Linebacker Kendal Daniels #5 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates sacking quarterback Beau Pribula #9 of the Missouri Tigers (not pictured) for a loss of three yards with defensive back Omarion Robinson #2 in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 17-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates a safety against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn ImagesOct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Sammy Omosigho (7) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (13) during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesUSA TODAY Sports ImagesSep 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) muscles his way into the endzone for a touchdown past Western Michigan Broncos defensive lineman Anterio Thompson (11) and defensive lineman Corey Walker (93) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium.SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 06: Anterio Thompson #54 of the Washington Huskies takes the field against the UC Davis Aggies at Husky Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)Washington Huskies senior defensive tackle Anterio Thompson celebrates after Washington's win over Purdue. Mandatory Credit: Scott Eklund- University of Washington Athletics/Red Box PicturesSEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 02: Anterio Thompson #54 of Washington Huskies in action during the Second Annual Dawgs After Dark Spring Game at Husky Stadium on May 02, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images for ONIT)SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 15: Anterio Thompson #54 of the Washington Huskies celebrates his sack against the Purdue Boilermakers at Husky Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)USA TODAY Sports ImagesCOLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 14: Harold Perkins Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers looks on before taking the field to face the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 13: Harold Perkins Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers looks on during the game against the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)USA TODAY Sports ImagesOhio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa (78) blocks during the NCAA football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025.1 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosUSA TODAY Sports IMAGES1 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosUSA TODAY Sports IMAGES2 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosCLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 08: Avieon Terrell #8 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play during the second half of a football game against the Florida State Seminoles at Memorial Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)3 / 37What NFL draft experts said about Falcons CB Avieon TerrellCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after a pass defense during the fourth quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)4 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosCLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 28: Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after intercepting the ball during the first half of a football game against the Stanford Cardinal at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)5 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosDec 29, 2023; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) tackles Kentucky receiver Tayvion Robinson (9) near safety Jalyn Phillips (1) during the third quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports6 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosKentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dane Key (6) carries Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) exchange words after Key took a long pass to the 5-yard line while being defended by Terrell during the first quarter. The Kentucky Wildcats faced off against the Clemson Tigers Friday, December 29, 2023, in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. The Wildcats led 14 to 10 at the half. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]7 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosClemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) during Clemson football practice at Jervey Meadows in Clemson, S.C. Wednesday August 7, 2024.8 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosClemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) during the first practice at Clemson, S.C. Friday, August 4, 2023.9 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosDec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) catches a pass as Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) defends during the second quarter of the CFP National Playoff first round game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images10 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosAUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Jaydon Blue #23 of the Texas Longhorns runs the ball against Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers during the second quarter in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)11 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosUSA TODAY IMAGES12 / 37What NFL draft experts said about Falcons WR Zachariah BranchATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 6: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up prior to the game against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)13 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosNov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) celebrates with offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) after a touchdown catch against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images14 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosKNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 13: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates with Oscar Delp #4 after the 44-41 OT win over the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)15 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosZachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball after a reception against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter of the game at Sanford Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.16 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosZachariah Branch of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 28, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.17 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs returns a kickoff during the third quarter against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)18 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosJan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) gestures after a first down against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images19 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosGeorgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) carries the ball during the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.20 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosFeb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia wideout Zachariah Branch (WO09) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images21 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosUSA TODAY Sports Images22 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosOklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.23 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosOct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) reacts during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images24 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosNORMAN, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 22: Linebacker Kendal Daniels #5 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates sacking quarterback Beau Pribula #9 of the Missouri Tigers (not pictured) for a loss of three yards with defensive back Omarion Robinson #2 in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 17-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)25 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosOct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates a safety against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images26 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosOct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Sammy Omosigho (7) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (13) during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images27 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosUSA TODAY Sports Images28 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosSep 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) muscles his way into the endzone for a touchdown past Western Michigan Broncos defensive lineman Anterio Thompson (11) and defensive lineman Corey Walker (93) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium.29 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosSEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 06: Anterio Thompson #54 of the Washington Huskies takes the field against the UC Davis Aggies at Husky Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)30 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosWashington Huskies senior defensive tackle Anterio Thompson celebrates after Washington's win over Purdue. Mandatory Credit: Scott Eklund- University of Washington Athletics/Red Box Pictures31 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosSEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 02: Anterio Thompson #54 of Washington Huskies in action during the Second Annual Dawgs After Dark Spring Game at Husky Stadium on May 02, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images for ONIT)32 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosSEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 15: Anterio Thompson #54 of the Washington Huskies celebrates his sack against the Purdue Boilermakers at Husky Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)33 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosUSA TODAY Sports Images34 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosCOLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 14: Harold Perkins Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers looks on before taking the field to face the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)35 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosBATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 13: Harold Perkins Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers looks on during the game against the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)36 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosUSA TODAY Sports Images37 / 37Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photosOhio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa (78) blocks during the NCAA football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025.This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Field Yates at ESPN singles out Harold Perkins as fifth-round favorite