Miami's Denzel Perryman, who might be the hardest-hitting linebacker in the draft, had a private workout with the New England Patriots.
NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport reported the news.
At 5-foot-11, 239 pounds, Perryman lacks height and might only be a two-down linebacker in the NFL because he has struggled in pass coverage. But he is a thumper who is excellent against the run and has a physical and aggressive playing style.
The Patriots wouldn't seem to need an inside linebacker, but Perryman could appeal to Pats coaches because of his physicality and approach to the game. Perryman seems a reach at No. 32, which is where the Pats pick in the first round, but he would be an excellent value were he still available when the Patriots pick in the second round at 64th overall.
Like former NFL linebacker Jonathan Vilma, Perryman is an alum of Coral Gables High and Miami. Vilma also heard whispers about his height. At Miami's pro day last week, Vilma was in attendance and said he is a Perryman fan: "He is a tremendous tackler. And there's a violence when he plays."
At the pro day, Perryman said he had visits scheduled with the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Miami Dolphins.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
