April 4, 2026, 11:09 a.m. ET
The Lions were able to re-sign Malcolm Rodriguez this offseason. However, he is only on a 1-year deal and is just 1.5 years removed from an ACL tear. Thus, the LB position may need some depth for long-term. Harold Perkins Jr is an option in the mid-rounds who also has an ACL in his past.
Here is the excerpt from my medical report on Perkins:
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Harold Perkins Jr, LB (22) – LSU
Projected round 3-5.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Concern level 3/10
2025: 12/13 games. Opted out of bowl.2024: 4/13 games. ACL tear.2023: 13/13 games2022: 14/14 games
Perkins has an ACL in his history, but is otherwise clean. Players can return to 100% of previous after an ACL, and Perkins has a full season of proof of recovery. The only thing to check on is if there was any cartilage damage in association with the ACL, as that could present an issue down-the-road. His age is good.
Perkins is a LB who may be used as a pass rusher in the NFL. The Lions could use a player like that.
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD