Chris Paul Jr, a standout linebacker from Ole Miss, is poised to make his mark in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 235 pounds, Paul has demonstrated exceptional skills and versatility throughout his college career.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
College Career
Paul’s journey began at Arkansas, where he redshirted his freshman year in 2021. He quickly made an impact in 2022, starting two of 13 games and recording 62 tackles and four sacks. His sophomore year saw further improvement, with 74 tackles and two sacks in 11 games.
In 2024, Paul transferred to Ole Miss, where he truly flourished. He became a defensive cornerstone for the Rebels, recording 86 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and his first career interception. His outstanding performance earned him Second-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors.
Strengths
Paul’s greatest asset is his versatility. He’s equally comfortable defending against the run and dropping into coverage. His patience and discipline in reading plays allow him to make quick, accurate decisions on the field.
In run defense, Paul displays excellent technique and discipline. He reads keys well, rarely takes missteps, and shows no hesitation in taking on blockers. Despite his relatively modest size for an NFL linebacker, he demonstrates surprising strength when engaging with offensive linemen.
Paul’s coverage skills are particularly noteworthy. With over 700 career snaps in coverage, he’s well-versed in both man and zone schemes. He takes a conservative approach in zone coverage, maintaining good depth and keeping plays in front of him. In man coverage, he’s capable of carrying backs and tight ends into the flats or sticking with them on shallow crosses.
His athleticism is another key strength. Paul offers above-average range in pursuit and looks fast on delayed blitzes. He’s also shown some shiftiness and lower-body flexibility as a rusher, contributing to his 9.5 career sacks.
Weaknesses
Despite his strengths, Paul does have areas for improvement. His undersized frame may limit his ability to stack and shed against NFL-level offensive linemen. This could potentially impact his effectiveness in run defense at the next level.
Paul’s aggression, while generally an asset, can sometimes work against him. Over-aggressive pursuit angles can leave him vulnerable to misdirection and counter plays. Additionally, his lateral range may limit his effectiveness in man coverage against particularly shifty backs.
NFL Projection
Chris Paul Jr. projects as a versatile linebacker who can contribute immediately in sub packages and on special teams. His advanced coverage skills and quick trigger against the run make him an attractive prospect for teams running multiple fronts that emphasize speed and pursuit from the second level.
While his size may limit his scheme versatility, Paul’s instincts, tackling efficiency, and coverage ability profile well in today’s pass-heavy NFL. He could develop into a starting WILL linebacker, particularly in a system that allows him to use his speed and coverage skills.
Conclusion
Chris Paul Jr. represents the modern NFL linebacker: athletic, versatile, and skilled in coverage. While he may not be the biggest linebacker in the draft, his production against top-tier SEC competition speaks volumes about his potential. His combination of football IQ, coverage skills, and tackling ability make him a valuable prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Teams looking for a three-down linebacker who can excel in passing situations will find Paul an intriguing option. With the right coaching and system fit, he has the potential to become a defensive playmaker at the next level. As the NFL continues to evolve towards more pass-oriented offenses, players like Chris Paul Jr. will only become more valuable.
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