Report: Houston Texans Interested in Denzel Perryman?

According to Matt Hammond of Sports Radio 610, the Texans may have interest in drafting former Miami Hurricane linebacker Denzel Perryman.

Perryman was speaking with Sports Radio 610’s Triple Threat hosts when he made the statement that the Texans were “really interested in me” this past Wednesday.

Could there possibly be a match between the two parties?

Perhaps.

The Texans are in the market for linebacker help, especially on the inside considering Brian Cushing‘s injury history. And there is even added uncertainty in the long-term with the other inside linebackers on the roster.

Honestly, the team’s inside linebacker core needs to become younger and more physical.

But what could Perryman bring that to the Texans defense?

Perryman, coming in at 5’11” and 236 pounds, has developed a reputation of being a hard hitter, and will take on offensive lineman in the second level.

From an analysis from Derek Stephens and Rob Rang of cbssports.com:

"Lacks desirable height but has the look of a prototypical inside ‘backer with a stout, thick frame. Instinctive and tough. Showed improved closing speed and explosiveness as a tackler in 2014. Strong, active hands, agile feet and good use of leverage free him from blocks."

Tough, instinctive, and strong?

Sounds like Perryman is the type of linebacker the Texans need to add to bolster their defense, especially in certain run defense packages. He could be someone who challenges any running back who may break through the line, which is a trait that the team needs more of.

The Texans defense was ranked 10th against the run last season, but there is always room for improvement, right?

2014 statistics: 13 games, 79 tackles, 31 assists, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception

And his statistics seem to indicate that he is very active when on the field, and is not afraid to make tackles. He could also be a disruptive force on the second level in the NFL.

Perryman would be a nice compliment to Cushing’s style of play, especially if the veteran Texan continues to return to his pre-injury form throughout the 2015 season.

But what are the former Hurricane’s shortcomings on the field?

Per a NFL.com report from Lance Zierlein of SportsTalk 790:

"Lacks coverage traits and is a liability in man coverage. Short levers won’t allow him to leverage blockers as a pass rusher. Slow to get off his spot and burst laterally, which causes him to miss some tackle opportunities."

If the Texans draft Perryman then it’s clear he wouldn’t assist much in against the pass, especially in man coverage which is concerning. He would then be limited to a run defender in defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel’s system.

To overcome these potential shortcomings he will also need to possess or further develop the football instincts necessary for the NFL. He would need to know where to position himself on the field at all times to counter some of the previously mentioned concerns.

Regardless, the Texans do need to add quality depth at inside linebacker and it seems that they have interest in the former Miami Hurricane.

Report: Houston Texans Interested In Denzel Perryman?

By Cody Poage | Apr 11, 2015