Summary

Samaje Perine was drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, Round 4, (pick 114). Perine entered the NFL with a reputation as a bruising, physical running back who carved out a dominant role in college with the Oklahoma Sooners. He recorded the NCAA FBS single-game rushing record (427 yards) and earned acclaim for his strength, work ethic and ability to churn yards between the tackles.

In the NFL, Perine has developed into a reliable rotational back and goal-line specialist rather than a full-scale every-down starter. He returned to the Bengals in 2025 on a two-year deal, bringing veteran depth behind a younger lead back. Cincy Jungle

Strengths

• Physicality & power runner: Perine is known for his strong lower-body, ability to drive through contact, finish runs and pick up yards after initial contact. Mile High Report

• Between-the-tackles efficiency: He displays patience, vision, and downhill mindset—he can find creases and convert positive yardage consistently. Mile High Report

• Reliable short-yardage / goal-line option: His frame, strength and experience make him a trusted option in heavy formations and late-game situations.

• Receiving and versatility skills (in recent seasons): While not his primary role, Perine has shown value catching passes out of the backfield and contributing in third-down or passing situations. Cincinnati Bengals

• Veteran presence and depth value: With multiple seasons in the NFL, Perine provides experience and a stable role as a rotational back, which is valuable for roster depth and special teams.

Weaknesses

• Top-end speed / burst limitations: Scouting reports noted that while Perine is powerful, he lacks elite fast-twitch explosion to consistently outrun defenders, which limits his big-play ceiling. Mile High Report

• Edge speed and open-field elusiveness: Because his game is more downhill and between the tackles, when asked to bounce outside, make sharp cuts or evade in open space his performance is less dominant. NFL Mocks

• Workload & durability concerns: He entered the league with a high collegiate carry total, which raised questions about long-term wear and tear. NFL Mocks

• Not an every-down back in many schemes: Given his limitations in pass protection, edge burst and receiving volume, teams may view him more as a complement than the lead back.

• Lower receiving target share / usage in space: While he has shown competence catching out of the backfield, he isn’t typically used as a dynamic third-down back or major passing weapon compared to some peers.

Fit & Outlook

Samaje Perine projects as a solid veteran rotational running back with a strong floor as a physical change-of-pace/short-yardage/goal-line contributor. For the Bengals, his role likely involves backing up the lead back while being called upon in heavy packages, with some passing-game touches and special teams value.

If he maintains his physical health, performs consistently, and leverages his strengths (power, yard-after-contact, versatility), he can serve as a valuable three-to-four year contributor. His ceiling is modest compared to top-end “every-down” backs, but his niche is clear and well-defined: a dependable, physical runner who gives his team stable production in defined roles.