Growing up in the small town of Humboldt, Iowa, I’ve always had a soft spot for NFL Draft prospects who got their start in small towns. Guys like Cooper Beebe and Cody Mauch proved that you don’t need a big stage to become a big-time player.
In the 2026 NFL Draft, Ole Miss outside linebacker Suntarine Perkins fits that exact mold. He played his high school ball at Raleigh High School in Mississippi, a town of just 1,089 people. Despite the small setting, Perkins has developed into one of the top pass rushers in this year’s draft class and is another reminder that elite talent can come from anywhere.
Perkins became a five-star recruit in large part because of a jaw-dropping performance in the Mississippi State Championship game. He rushed for 337 yards and four touchdowns on offense while adding six tackles and an interception on defense. His two-way dominance attracted offers from powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, but he chose to stay close to home and commit to Ole Miss.
Rising Star at Ole Miss
As a true freshman, Perkins made an immediate impact. He earned All-SEC Freshman honors after tying for the team lead with 3.5 sacks and leading all Rebel freshmen with 38 tackles, despite only starting two games.
Last season, he took a major leap. He was named to the All-SEC team after finishing with 10.5 sacks, which tied for the second-most in Ole Miss history. He also racked up 14 tackles for loss. His most dominant performance came against Oklahoma, where he notched four sacks—the most by an Ole Miss player in a single game since 1993.
One of the nation's top defenders 👀
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) July 29, 2025
Suntarine Perkins has been named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watchlist — awarded to the best defensive player in college football.#HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/bcq3MRpYA3
Perkins' explosiveness off the edge is what sets him apart. Coming out of high school, 247Sports said he had the athleticism to play wide receiver at the college level. That elite athletic profile allows him to bend around tackles, accelerate in tight spaces, and make plays from sideline to sideline. His burst, bend, and agility should translate into strong testing numbers at the NFL Combine.
He’s also more than just a pass rusher. In coverage, he earned an 81.8 grade from Pro Football Focus and allowed an NFL passer rating of just 44.6. That kind of performance shows he’s capable of transitioning to an off-ball linebacker role in a traditional 4-3 defense. His loose hips, quick change of direction, and high football IQ all support his ability to cover tight ends and backs at the next level.
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That said, there are concerns. He lacks the size and strength to consistently hold up against the run, especially when asked to set the edge on the line of scrimmage. At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, his frame is more comparable to a big safety than an NFL linebacker. To take on a full-time role in the pros, he’ll need to add at least 10 to 15 pounds of muscle without sacrificing his speed.
2026 NFL Draft outlook
Right now, I have a fourth-round grade on Perkins. That’s lower than others, including Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports who currently projects him as a late first-round pick. The difference comes down to size and how limited his NFL role might be if he doesn’t add weight. But if Perkins puts together another strong season, shows improved play strength, and tests well at the combine, he has the tools to rise into Day 2 territory.