Joe Mixon isn’t the only Oklahoma running back who will hear their name called next week in the NFL Draft. The controversial Sooners star may be garnering all the headlines, but Samaje Perine is drawing rave reviews of his own – where he is likely to be a mid-round draft pick. There is a thought with his 5-foot-11, 234-pound frame, he could be a solid short-yardage back and goal line option.
Perine will find a home in the NFL. His path may not be as publicized as his teammate, which might make the transition to the next level a bit easier.
Samaje Perine finished his career as OU’s all-time leading rusher (4,122 yards) despite turning pro after just three seasons. He showed he could be a bell cow back as he holds the NCAA single-game rushing record (427 yards vs. Kansas in 2014) and he ranks fourth in OU history with 49 rushing touchdowns, fifth with 685 carries and sixth with 4,443 all-purpose yards.
The Pflugerville, TX native is tied for second in school history with six games of at least 200 rushing yards and ranks seventh with 15 games of at least 100 rushing yards.
Those are pretty impressive numbers for a guy who doesn’t get the headlines of Mixon, who some regard as the best runner in this draft class.
Perine is on many boards as a third or fourth round selection.
In this player profile, we will look at the strengths and weaknesses of Samaje Perine as he moves on to the next level. We also include a few teams that will be interested in adding help to their running game.
Strengths
Can take on the load. He proved that with 200-yard performances and with some many carries in three seasons. He has the ability to get better as the game wears on. Also, Perine has shown he can move a pile or two. The fact he can score any time he is near the goal line will make him an attractive pick. Specifically, for teams that lack a consistent red zone running game. He is a nice second option in a rushing attack and could become a starter and fill in for other players.
Weaknesses
His size also could be a concern. He is not fast, so he moves piles and has to hit his second gear to generate speed. He may be a better form of Christian Okoye from years past with the Kansas City Chiefs. Also, he may wind up playing fullback in the NFL and used on obvious rushing downs. However, he did not catch the ball much in the Oklahoma offense. Will he take a pounding in the NFL and wear down early in his career?
Teams Interested
Jacksonville, Carolina, New York Jets, New York Giants, Denver, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Cleveland Washington