The NFL Combine is underway, and the Philadelphia Eagles are evaluating potential candidates for their 2026 NFL Draft selections, focusing on addressing multiple team needs. While edge rusher, offensive line, cornerback, safety, and wide receiver remain priorities, the Eagles have also begun eyeing a key linebacker prospect to potentially fill the void left by Nakobe Dean.
Interest from Eagles and Packers in Harold Perkins Jr.
According to sources cited by Ryan Fowler of FanSided, the Eagles are among two teams that held meetings with LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. before the combine workouts. The Green Bay Packers also met with Perkins during the same period, signaling substantial interest from multiple franchises.
Perkins’ Versatility and College Achievements Highlighted
Harold Perkins has an impressive track record from his tenure at LSU, securing All-SEC accolades for three consecutive seasons: third-team in 2021, first-team in 2022, and second-team in 2023. His 2025 statistics include 55 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions, three pass deflections, as well as forced and recovered fumbles, showcasing his all-around defensive skills.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio highly values players capable of adapting to various roles on defense. Perkins fits this profile perfectly, providing the ability to support pass coverage, halt running plays, and generate pressure on quarterbacks. His adaptability could mirror the role Jihaad Campbell filled after being drafted last year as a player who shifts between inside linebacker and edge rusher duties.
Potential Impact on the Linebacker Depth Chart and Nakobe Dean’s Future
With Nakobe Dean currently a free agent who has expressed a desire to return to Philadelphia, the Eagles appear to be focusing more on retaining players like Jaelan Phillips and Reed Blankenship instead. Selecting Perkins in the second or third round could signal the team’s intention to move on from Dean, as it would position Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell as the starting linebackers.
Perkins would likely join Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in a rotational linebacker role, providing depth and versatility behind the starters. Philadelphia’s draft capital, including two third-round picks, grants them flexibility to target such a linebacker prospect despite competing demands at other positions during the early rounds.
Draft Strategy and Team Building Considerations
The Eagles face multiple positional challenges heading into the draft, yet the ability to leverage mid-round selections could allow them to address the linebacker position without sacrificing other core needs. Harold Perkins remains firmly on the Eagles’ radar this offseason as a candidate to strengthen their defense and possibly replace Nakobe Dean moving forward.
Sources: LSU LB Harold Perkins Jr has a formal meeting scheduled with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers this evening.
Versatile defender who scouts have circled this week in Indy.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 23, 2026
