Quick 6: Get to know NFL Draft Prospect Mark Perry

Former Colorado and TCU defensive back Mark Perry has experience in the Pac-12 and Big 12.

Perry transferred to TCU after starting his college career at Colorado. He appeared in 26 games with the Buffaloes before signing with TCU ahead of the 2022 season. He was awarded the 2022 First-Team Academic All-Big 12 for the Horned Frogs. 

In 2023, the 6’0, 215-pound defensive back registered 58 tackles, three tackles for loss, four passes defensed, and a forced fumble in 12 starts. Perry has blazing speed and used to run track and field. His size-speed combination has influenced many teams during the pre-draft process, including the New England Patriots, who met with him before his pro day.

Perry recently spoke with The Patriots Beat about the pre-draft process, his unique stature, and why teams should draft him.

You’ve got a big frame: 6’0, 211-pounds. How can you use your size to your advantage on the football field?

There are only a few DBs that carry a good stature to them, especially when it comes to safety. For me, I like to use my size and speed as an advantage, depending on what I have to do in the defense, because I think a lot of times you see a bigger safety and just assume he must be slow. I’m gonna try to run right by him, but, I try to kind of use my strength to my advantage, and I also have great speed.

You can play all over. I’ve seen you play in the box as a free safety and even at strong safety. Do you have a favorite, and are you comfortable in all those positions?

Each year, I was kind of asked to do something different. In my freshman year, I was in more of a nickel role. In my sophomore and junior years at Colorado, I was more of a free safety, and then once I got to TCU, I was a strong safety. So, I played all over. So, I just think I’ve gotten comfortable with wearing multiple hats in the secondary. In the NFL, I’ll probably end up being a strong safety, but whatever team picks me, I want to make sure that they know, like, I can do whatever I need to do for the team to win.

Looking back at your decision to transfer from Colorado to TCU, are you happy you came to TCU?

I wouldn’t change anything. I was able to go to the natty and be a part of that team that did something really special and wasn’t seen before. I have no regrets, and TCU helped me get into the position that I’m in now. So, nothing but grateful for my time there.

How was your experience at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and did you get positive feedback from scouts?

 I went into the week just trying not to make it bigger than what it is. Like, it’s still football. We’ve been playing this game for a long time. So, I just made sure that I was getting back to the basics, running to the football, communicating, and ensuring that I was doing my job. I felt like it was productive coming out of that week. I got a lot of great feedback and met with 26 teams.

Throughout this process, have any teams stood out?

I would say the Colts, Patriots and Cowboys are the teams that have stood out to me. I have a top 30 set up with the Colts right now. The Cowboys and Patriots have also stood out.

What motivates you to keep playing, and what should NFL decision-makers know about you?

I’ve just kind of always been that under-the-radar kind of player, even coming out of high school, and I’ve always found a way to work my way up, and I continue to play the game just because I’m motivated. I want to compete, and I want to see myself become the best version of myself.