He was selected by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft, and was also a member of the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Indianapolis Colts.

[11] With starting quarterback Hundley exiting in the first quarter after an injury, Perkins gained 195 all-purpose yards in a 20–17 win over Texas.

[8][12] In the Alamo Bowl, he was named the game's offensive MVP after running for a then-career-high 194 yards and scoring two touchdowns in a 40–35 win over Kansas State.

[13][14][15] He finished the season as the Pac-12 leader with 1,575 yards rushing, the second-highest in UCLA history behind Johnathan Franklin (1,734 in 2012).

[20] Perkins was invited to the NFL Combine but was unable to finish all the drills after suffering an injury to his hamstring while running his 40-yard dash.

Scouts and analysts gave mostly positive reviews focused on his one-cut ability, quality vision, reliable hands, decisive gap selection, and willingness to pick up blitzes.

He was also criticized for his lack of consistent play speed, limited route options, and smallish frame.

[23][24] Perkins entered the 2016 season as the Giants' fourth running back on the depth chart, behind veterans Rashad Jennings, Bobby Rainey, and Orleans Darkwa.

[28] In May 2017, Giants head coach Ben McAdoo named Perkins the starting running back.

[48] His father, Bruce Perkins, played fullback at Arizona State and briefly in the NFL.

[49] His uncle, Don Perkins, played eight seasons as a running back with the Dallas Cowboys.