Q&A with Nick Perry

Cheesehead TV brings you this question and answer session with Nick Perry from back at the NFL Combine.

This Q&A with Nick Perry took place back at the NFL Combine back in February. I have a feeling he'll be changing his tune about playing in a 3-4 defense now that he's officially a member of the Packers, but it's interesting to capture his feelings at one moment in time...

Question: 3-4 or 4-3?

Nick Perry: "I can handle both. I prefer 4-3. I like to keep my hand in the dirt, but as long as I’m rushing and getting to quarterback I’m fine whatever it is."

Q: How much have you been working on the transition to 3-4 outside linebacker?

Perry: "Not much, but I know some of the schemes. From there I think I can improve."

Q: How new weight feel?

Perry: "I feel good. I wouldn’t have it on if I couldn’t handle it."

Q: Why leave school early?

Perry: "I’ve had a good four years at S.C., and I’m ready to take it to the next level. I’ve been prepared for that.
I’ve been training for that. I’m looking forward to that."

Q: Why pass over Michigan for USC? (Perry is a Detroit native)

Perry: "It was the opportunity of a lifetime. I wanted to be part of something great. I wanted to be part of that great tradition. I was going to choose Michigan, but Lloyd Carr left. I didn’t know where I’d end up in Michigan. The next best thing was Carroll and being part of that tradition."

Q: How much did USC’s reputation for churning out NFL players play into in going there?

Perry: "It was big. Knowing they produce a lot of great players in the league, I wanted to be one of those too."

Q: What’s the best thing about sacking a QB?

Perry: "Just getting to him. I think I have a great get-off. I love to get to the quarterback."

Q: You were pretty honest about preferring to play with your hand on the ground:

Perry: "Anything can be done. I have the ability to play standing up. So if a coach likes me, so be it. I will be able to play in that position."

Q: How much did you do that at USC?

Perry: "Not much. But I played standing up a little but, in drop coverage."

Q: Why is it a tough transition to go from defensive end to outside linebacker?

Perry: "It’s just that edge. Some people have a better edge getting off the ball with their hand in the dirt. I’ve been playing it a long time now, and I have experience in that. Being put further away from what you’re used to doing makes you a little uneasy."

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Comments (18)

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Bearmeat's picture

April 26, 2012 at 11:05 pm

Well, he's honest. No doubt he has the measurables and the film to prove he can rush the passer.

He played the same position as CM3 at USC.

He did struggle in the 3 cone and coverage during the offseason festivities.

IMO he didn't look too happy when Green Bay called him up.

I'm happy. And nervous. At the same time. Is that possible?

It seems Shea would have been a better fit for the Packers and Nick for the Bears. I guess we'll see....

I'm glad we finally have another pass rusher.

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ppabich's picture

April 27, 2012 at 12:40 am

He was asked to do very different things than CM3 at USC. Since Monte Kiffen has taken over, the defense has changed since Matthews left. In Carroll's defense Matthews played a hybrid LB/DE Who did most of his rushing either blitzing or stunting to the inside. Perry in Kiffen's defense played more of a true DE end rusher.

This could be a great tandem for the Packers as Perry, especially at the beginning of his career, will rush the passer on most downs. While Matthews can be more multiple. Matthews role as an inside rusher has proven fruitful in the NFL as that is still his best rush area. CM3 is also one of the best 3-4 OLBs in coverage. If Perry can be a monster on the edge, that allows more freedom for Matthews. An incredible bonus for Capers as he will have three guys in Clay, CWood and Bishop who can come at you from anywhere.

Now lets get a safety!!

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MarkinMadison's picture

April 27, 2012 at 08:56 am

He looked happy enough to me. Unless you've hung out with the guy, I don't know how you judge his reactions. What little tape I've seen of him getting sacks, he's not a big showboat. Might clap his hands once or a little jump. Emotionally controlled guy.

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Jrunde10's picture

April 26, 2012 at 11:15 pm

Really liked the question about saving the qb. Wish it were asked more. Sack celebrations are better than td celebrations...that don't end in a lambeau leap

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Woodson4president's picture

April 26, 2012 at 11:55 pm

Seriously though why cant we trade up in the second round and get upshaw or curry? I would be so excited about our pass rush if Ted would take a freakin chance!

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Brian Carriveau's picture

April 26, 2012 at 11:56 pm

Because they just addressed the outside linebacker position with Perry.

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Ceallaigh's picture

April 27, 2012 at 06:23 am

Still surprised Upshaw did the absolute tailspin out of the first round. Wow.

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packsmack25's picture

April 27, 2012 at 07:46 am

So was he, and as the Giants were making their pick, he was LIVID.

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MarkinMadison's picture

April 27, 2012 at 08:38 am

News reports of Upshaw's Pro Day were not impressive. I get that he had some injury issues, but you show up to the Combine and put up 22 reps, and then you show up to your Pro Day looking sloppy, this is what you get. Looked like he took things for granted.

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Woodson4president's picture

April 27, 2012 at 12:30 am

Well he could put his hand in the dirt and we could also have a stand up olb. Our defense would have to.improve from that.

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dawg's picture

April 27, 2012 at 06:18 am

hhuuummmm,wish we could have gotten shea

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T's picture

April 27, 2012 at 08:24 am

I seem to remember Clay quite frequently up on the line rushing the passer, maybe not from a 3 point stance, but definitely on the "edge". I think Perry will be just fine doing the exact same thing with his speed.

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Cole's picture

April 27, 2012 at 08:27 am

I didn't watch games of Perry because everyone insisted he'd go to a 4-3 team. After watching last night I'm thrilled with the pick. His bend around the edge is beautiful and if u watch his bull rush its almost unstoppable. Capers press conference made it sound like he'll be asked to primarily rush the passer, at least until he learns coverage skills. This guy is 3x the athlete McClellin is. Call me crazy, but I could see Perry becoming a better pass rusher than clay, not a better all around OLB though. Steal of the 1st!

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Evan's picture

April 27, 2012 at 08:44 am

Like the pick a lot - finally an OLB!

I'd like to see DL in the 2nd then a Safety and our defense will be well on its way.

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Shawn's picture

April 27, 2012 at 08:56 am

This is exactly what I was thinking. If we have to use a fourth and seventh round picks to move up a little in the second that would work if we can still get Kendall Reyes.

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Evan's picture

April 27, 2012 at 09:06 am

On a totally unrelated note, I wonder if Colt McCoy could be had for a 6th round pick or so. I like him and think he could make a solid backup in Green Bay.

I feel like he never really got a fighting chance in Cleveland and would like to see what McCarthy and Clements could do with him.

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Evan's picture

April 27, 2012 at 09:47 am

And now PackerReport is reporting that the Pack and Browns are discussing a trade. Nice.

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mark's picture

April 27, 2012 at 09:06 am

I'm not wild about the Perry pick, he just didn't wow me on tape. I would love to be wrong. The one thing I do like is that he's going to be coached by Kevin Greene who I think will get the most out of him. Hopefully it works.

Would love to see us move up tonight. Jerel Worthy, Antonio Allen, and Janoris Jenkins are names I would love to hear called. Keep going defense!!!!

Go Pack go.

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