2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Chris Paul Jr. (LB – Mississippi)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Ole Miss Linebacker Chris Paul Jr. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Chris Paul Jr.

Chris Paul Jr. (LB – Mississippi)

6’1” – 235 lbs.

Background:

Also goes by “Pooh.” Originally attended Arkansas. Redshirted after four appearances as a freshman, then started two of thirteen games the next year, playing heavily (430 snaps) and finishing with 62-8.0-4.0. Went 74-7.0-2.0 in more of a regular starting role (nine of eleven games, 514 snaps), then transferred to Mississippi, where he posted 88-11.0-3.5 over twelve games as of the time of writing.

Positives:

Has produced at two SEC schools over the past three years, with increasing output and effectiveness. A polished player with good discipline, patience, and technique in the run game; reads keys well and rarely takes missteps when flowing toward the play direction. Plays with good knee-bend when defending between the tackles. Understands run fits and shows no hesitation in taking on blockers. Has a little bit more strength in his hands than his size would suggest. Offers above-average range in pursuit. Despite his lack of ideal length, has been an increasingly reliable tackler over the course of his collegiate career. Very well-versed in coverage, with over 700 career snaps there. Takes a conservative approach to playing in zone, showing good patience and getting enough depth to keep things in front of him. Able to carry opposing backs and tight ends into the flats or stick with them on shallow crosses when pattern-matching; also saw him carry opponents downfield on wheel routes effectively. Looks fast on delayed blitzes, and has had some success finishing on those. Shows some shiftiness and lower-body flexibility as a rusher.

Negatives:

Size is on the lower end, even for a modern linebacker. Lack of length can make it hard for him to lock out opposing blockers in the run game. Doesn’t have a lot of sand in his pants to hold the point of attack when successfully engaged; can be walled off effectively when blockers reach him. Reliable when in position, but his tackling radius isn’t the widest. Doesn’t miss many tackles, but doesn’t have elite stopping power on contact. Probably won’t be able to match up against bigger tight ends in man coverage; looks more destined for work on zones or against backs.

Summary:

A patient, disciplined, and athletic linebacker who looks comfortable playing the run or dropping into coverage, and who offers solid awareness and reliable tackling which could allow him to get onto the field relatively soon at the pro level. Has some limitations from a physical standpoint which might make him a better fit for a Will ‘backer role between big defensive tackles in an even front, as he can sometimes struggle to hold the point when blocked. In a relatively thin linebacker crop, has a chance to go on the second day.

Projection: Round 3-4

Check out all of our 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports