You don’t usually see NFL scouts flocking to Middlebury, Vermont. It’s a place known more for its stunning autumn leaves and high-end liberal arts education than for churning out professional gladiators. But Thomas Perry isn't your average student. While most of his peers were probably stressing over biochemistry labs, Perry was busy becoming "The Tank."
Honestly, the jump from Division III to the pros is a statistical nightmare. Most players who dominate at that level never even get a phone call. But the thomas perry nfl draft conversation is different because the tape doesn't lie. He isn't just "good for a small school guy." He’s a legitimate, 317-pound problem for defensive lines.
He stands about 6'2" and change, which is actually a bit short by NFL tackle standards. That’s why everyone is looking at him as an interior prospect. Specifically, he’s been working on the transition to center. During the East-West Shrine Bowl, he was the only D-III player on the field, and he didn't just survive—he looked like he belonged there.
From 250 Pounds to The Tank
Perry’s story is kinda wild. Back in high school in Killingworth, Connecticut, he was a 250-pound kid playing in a Wing-T offense. If you know football, you know the Wing-T is basically the "don't ever pass the ball" system. Scouts couldn't see if he could pass protect because he never had to do it. Add in a canceled senior season due to COVID-19, and his recruiting stock was basically zero.
He showed up to Middlebury and just started eating. And lifting. A lot.
By the time he finished his career with the Panthers, he had added over 60 pounds of muscle. He’s now a three-time First-Team All-NESCAC selection. You’ve got to appreciate the discipline it takes to maintain a 3.93 GPA in biochemistry while training like a pro. He wakes up at 3:30 AM. He eats a 12-egg breakfast. He’s in bed by 7:30 PM. It’s a monastic lifestyle that most 21-year-olds couldn't handle.
Scouting Thomas Perry: The Good and The Ugly
Let’s be real for a second. If Perry were 6'5" with 34-inch arms, he’d be a first-round lock. But the thomas perry nfl draft profile has some "concerns" listed in bold letters by every scout.
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- Length: His arms are short. In the NFL, if a defensive tackle gets his hands on your chest first, you’re done.
- Leverage: He sometimes leans too far forward. Pro-level rushers will use that against him and "pull" him into the dirt.
- Speed of the game: NESCAC speed is not SEC speed.
But then you look at the strengths. His core power is absurd. We're talking about a guy who can side-squat 405 pounds for reps and bench press over 500 pounds. At UConn’s Pro Day, he put up 31 reps on the bench. That would have put him near the very top of the NFL Combine rankings for all offensive linemen.
His wrestling background is the secret sauce. He knows how to use his hips. He knows how to find a defender’s center of gravity and ruin their day. When he pulls as a guard, he looks like a runaway freight train. It’s "pure entertainment," as some scouts have put it.
Why Teams Are Biting
The NFL loves a "freak." Bruce Feldman famously put Perry on his "Freaks List" because of that combination of academic brilliance and raw, violent power.
There's a specific comparison that keeps coming up: Quinn Meinerz. Meinerz was the D-III prospect from Wisconsin-Whitewater who blew up the Senior Bowl and became a star for the Denver Broncos. Perry is on that same trajectory. He’s been training with Duke Manyweather, the legendary offensive line guru who works with guys like Will Campbell (a projected top-10 pick). If Manyweather says you can play, people listen.
The Center Transition
During the Shrine Bowl, the coaches moved him to center. It was a bit of a project. His snaps were a little slow at first—kinda loopy. But by the end of the week, he was winning one-on-one reps against guys from Georgia and Michigan.
Teams like the New England Patriots or the Baltimore Ravens, who value "smart and tough" over "long and lean," are likely circling his name. He’s projected as a Day 3 pick or a priority undrafted free agent. Honestly, being undrafted might even be better for him because he gets to pick a scheme that fits his "phone booth" style of blocking.
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The Verdict on the Thomas Perry NFL Draft Hype
So, is he a bust waiting to happen? Probably not. The worst-case scenario is he’s a high-level practice squad guy who pushes your starters every day. The best-case? He’s your starting center for the next ten years.
He has this sign above his bed that says, "How are you going to get better today?" It sounds like a cliché, but when you look at his 100-mile bike rides and his biochem degree, you realize he actually means it.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the Feet: If you’re watching his preseason tape, ignore the hands for a second. Look at his feet. If they stay moving on contact, he’s winning.
- The Snap Count: If he ends up in a camp, check how many reps he gets at center versus guard. His path to a 53-man roster is almost certainly as a backup center who can swing to guard.
- Late-Round Value: In dynasty fantasy leagues or deep NFL draft circles, he’s the ultimate "stash" prospect. He won't play Week 1, but by Year 3, he could be a household name for line nerds.
Keep an eye on the late rounds. When a name from Middlebury pops up on the ticker, don't be surprised. Thomas "The Tank" Perry has spent four years preparing for that specific moment.
Next Steps for Draft Enthusiasts
To track Perry’s progress, monitor the official NFL Combine results and compare his shuttle times to established NFL starters like Ted Karras or Zach Frazier. Focus on his "short shuttle" and "three-cone" times, as these lateral agility metrics will determine if he can handle NFL-level gap-shooters.