One former NFL general manager likens Ole Miss linebacker Suntarine Perkins’ game to a future hall of famer
On a recent episode of “With The First Pick” with CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson, former Titans executive vice president and general manager Ran Carthon joined to break down some of Wilson’s favorite prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.Wilson is very high on Ole Miss linebacker Suntarine Perkins. In fact, he put him inside his Top […]
On a recent episode of “With The First Pick” with CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson, former Titans executive vice president and general manager Ran Carthon joined to break down some of Wilson’s favorite prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Wilson is very high on Ole Miss linebacker Suntarine Perkins. In fact, he put him inside his Top 50 on his latest 2026 NFL Draft preseason big board. He believes he can not only make an NFL roster, but be a supreme difference maker on the second level.
He probes Carthon with questions about the Rebels’ defender to see exactly what he thinks of his takes and how he sees him transitioning to the professional level.
Ran Carthon thinks Suntarine Perkins can absolutely play in the NFL because of recent defensive trends.
“He could ultimately be a DPR (designated pass rusher),” Carthon said. “You play a nickel 60 percent of the time anyways, you bring him in as a rusher off the edge on obvious passing downs with his motor and athleticism…you can project him to play special teams.”
Despite not having ideal height and weight, Ran Carthon thinks Suntarin Perkins can potentially be a game changer. Particularly because of his experience exclusively playing linebacker in high school.
“if you’re moving him back to off-ball linebacker you’re not putting him back in the secondary you just have to accept the fact he’s an undersized player,” Carthon said. “And i’m not comping him to this guy but I played in Indy with an undersized defensive end and it was Robert Mathis.
“He was 6-feet, 235 and we saw the havoc he wrecked on the league and he will be a hall of famer here very soon.”
Ran Carthon also already sees a potential fit in the NFL for Suntarine Perkins.
“Not saying Perkins is that (Robert Mathis) but you can play in the right system…you get in a 49ers type system that plays wide nine those types of defenses where you can get off and use your ability.”
Wilson asked Carthon about Perkins’ weight and if it’s a major issue for scouts and general managers. But, he quickly clapped back with a few examples of elite playmakers in the league who played at or around Perkins’ current size.
“There are a little more than you think. These linebackers have progressively gotten smaller,” Carthon said. “I played with a guy, Cato June. Cato would be heavy during the season and Cato got as low as 205.
“Kwon Alexander was under 220. Those two in particular are very instinctive. They don’t get caught in the wash. He’s going to have to adjust off ball and read his keys.”
Ran Carthon says it here in the interview without coming out and blatantly saying it. NFL franchises want dudes who can ball. That’s it and that’s all. The height-weight love affair still happens but you see more and more unsuspecting players at all shapes and sizes across the board impacting games.
Perkins isn’t exactly small. Point stands, being an edge rusher in the professional ranks at 210 pounds is a tall ask,. But if he can get into the right system which is willing to be patient and work to maximize his skill set, the sky is the limit.
Several undersized playmakers have made careers out of the sport of football. Barry Sanders with the Lions, Bob Sanders with the Colts, Steve Smith with the Panthers, Wes Welker, Darrell Green with the Commanders, and Darren Sproles with the Eagles come to mind.
If Perkins can get lucky enough to land with a GM who is crafty, a head coach who is patient, and a scheme which fits his skill set, he could hear his name called sooner rather than later next spring.
