Whenever the media needed someone to talk to after a practice or game, an Ohio State spokesman tabbed linebacker Joshua Perry.
No matter how tired or frustrated Perry was either with his performance on the field or the outcome of the game, he glided over and either sat or stood in front of television cameras and microphones to answer questions.
Perry's successes off the field sometimes make us forget just how great of a career he had in Columbus. Ohio State Vice President and Director of Athletics Gene Smith once said he would hire Perry tomorrow if he could. Urban Meyer said April 15 at the program's annual coaching clinic that Perry would receive his coach's vote if he ever decided to run for President.
Before any of that happens, however, the groundwork is in place for Perry to have a successful football career as a professional.
Perry led the Buckeyes in 2014 with 124 tackles and finished second on the team this past season with 105, a bit of an under the radar player on a roster full of stars that made more splash plays. His 298 career stops are 16th on the Ohio State all-time list, showing just how instrumental he was to not only Luke Fickell's linebacker room but the unit's resurgence the past few years.
Whatever NFL team decides to select Perry in the 2016 NFL Draft is set to get an excellent performer on the field and an A+ person off it. Perry is projected as a late second or third-round pick next week. What teams would be a good fit for him at the next level?
Cincinnati Bengals
Where They're Picking: First Round (24th overall), Second Round (55th overall), Third Round (87th overall)
Breakdown: The Bengals have a solid roster from top to bottom, but have holes at wide receiver with the departures of Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones in free agency. That should be addressed in the earlier rounds of the draft, but Cincinnati needs to look at a linebacker situation that has aging Karlos Dansby and A.J. Hawk right in the middle of it. Perry can provide stability for the future while learning the ins and outs of his position behind a pair of veterans.
Green Bay Packers
Where They're Picking: First Round (27th overall), Second Round (57th overall), Third Round (88th overall)
Breakdown: Green Bay's biggest need is at inside linebacker, since its coaching staff plans to use Clay Matthews at his more natural position on the outside this season. But in Dom Capers' attacking 3-4 scheme, you can never have enough pass rushers. Julius Peppers is a future Hall of Famer, but will turn 37 years old this season so the Packers could add Perry in the third round as a sneaky value pick. Green Bay builds its roster through the draft as well as anyone, so it might see Perry as the next piece for its defense.
New Orleans Saints
Where They're Picking: First Round (12th overall), Second Round (47th overall), Third Round (78th overall)
Breakdown: New Orleans needs defensive help more than any other team in the NFL. The Saints finished dead last in total defense in 2015, set a league record for touchdown passes allowed and finished 25th with only 31 sacks. Perry is serviceable in pass coverage at outside linebacker, but has great size (6-foot-4, 254 pounds) and length (33 and 7/8-inch arms). The Saints could scoop him up in the third round and try him as a pass rusher. Either way, Perry is a tackling machine and a leader. New Orleans needs both of those things.
New York Jets
Where They're Picking: First Round (20th overall), Second Round (51st overall), Third Round (83rd overall)
Breakdown: The Jets need an edge rusher for Todd Bowles' 3-4 scheme and could see Perry as a viable option in the third round. Depending how they feel about the quarterbacks not named Carson Wentz or Jared Goff, New York could go that route in the first or second round with their other early selection being an offensive lineman. Perry played in a 4-3 at Ohio State, but if given the opportunity said he would gladly learn the intricacies of a 3-4 outside linebacker. New York would be a solid fit in the later rounds.
Tennessee Titans
Where They're Picking: First Round (15th overall), Second Round (33rd overall, 43rd overall, 45th overall), Third Round (64th overall, 76th overall)
Breakdown: Tennessee loaded up on picks when it traded its No. 1 overall selection to the Los Angeles Rams. With six picks among the first 76 in the 2016 draft, the Titans are sure to bolster their offensive line and get a few more weapons for last year's No. 2 pick, Marcus Mariota. Switching to the other side of the ball in the third round or later would be wise, however, for a unit that finished 30th in the league in total defense last year. Perry should be a bright spot to whatever team decides to take him both because he is a cerebral player and rarely makes mistakes. Adding Perry to its young core of talent along with its other picks in the draft would help Tennessee build depth for the future.
Honorable Mention: Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts
