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EspañolThe Washington Commanders are leaving no stone unturned in an effort to improve one of the NFL's worst defenses. At the 2026 NFL combine this week in Indianapolis, Washington has met with several prospects. It's no surprise that the Commanders have met with top prospects expected to go inside the top 10 of April's draft, like David Bailey, Sonny Styles and Rueben Bain Jr., but they're also looking for playmakers everywhere.
Harold Perkins, a 6-foot-0, 222-pound linebacker from LSU, revealed on Wednesday that he met with the Commanders.
"It was smooth. The meeting with them was good," Perkins told Candi Waller of Bowie TV. I loved it."
LB Harold Perkins (LSU) shared he met with the Commanders. The response on how the meeting went is here: pic.twitter.com/F4h1kPWmrT
— CWallSports (@cwallse) February 25, 2026
Perkins is an intriguing prospect. He's expected to land somewhere in the middle rounds. He burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2022, recording 72 tackles, including 13 for loss, 7.5 sacks, one interception and four forced fumbles. He followed that up with similar production in 2023, finishing with 75 tackles, 13 for loss, 5.5 sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles.
Unfortunately, Perkins tore his ACL in 2024, limiting him to only four games. He returned in 2025 to play in 12 games for the Tigers. He finished with 56 tackles, eight for loss, four sacks, three interceptions, and a forced fumble. He didn't look quite as explosive in 2025, which could be due to being the year after major knee surgery. Perkins is expected to have a strong showing during on-field drills at this week's combine, which could help his stock.
Size will limit Perkins to a degree, but smart defensive coordinators find ways to employ players like him. He's proven he can rush the passer as a blitzer and has excellent instincts. The fact that Washington used one of its 60 combine interviews on Perkins is notable. It could mean that new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones believes Perkins could be a weapon in the Commanders' new-look defense.
With a good week at the combine, Perkins' stock could be back on the rise. Multiple NFL teams are intrigued.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 2026 NFL combine: Commanders meet with LSU linebacker Harold Perkins