The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be interested in adding an off-ball linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft . Mike McCarthy's team hosted another for a pre-draft visit on Friday — LSU's Harold Perkins Jr.
"Slightly undersized off-ball linebacker with solid 2025 production but less in-game impact than he showed in 2022 and 2023 before his ACL tear in 2024," NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in a scouting report. "Perkins is decisive against the run and knifes into the backfield when lanes open. He's adequate in block take-ons and finishes tackles near the line with good physicality.
"Perkins is at his best when deployed in a scheme that allows him to play free and attack the line as often as possible."
Perkins was a third-team All-SEC honoree last season, registering a team-high four sacks, along with 56 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three interceptions and a forced fumble. He had 35.5 tackles for loss over his three-plus campaigns in Baton Rouge. NFL.com tabs him with a 6.00 prospect grade, meaning he has "traits or talent to be (an) above-average backup."
According to 247Sports, Perkins was a five-star prospect in the Class of 2022, as well as the top-ranked linebacker in the nation. He was a freshman All-American and three-time All-SEC performer.
The Steelers have also hosted Pitt's Kyle Louis, Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez, Louisiana's Jaden Dugger and BYU's Jack Kelly on pre-draft visits. Patrick Queen is entering the final year of his contract with the Steelers, while Payton Wilson still has to prove he can be an effective every-down performer.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Hosting Once-Hyped Off-Ball LB on Pre-Draft Visit
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