Chris Paul Jr. LB Ole Miss | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Chris Paul Jr. LB Ole Miss
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: BOX LB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 11/20/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.62 seconds (75%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: BOX LB | |
| Last Updated: 11/20/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.62 seconds (75%*) | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 83.3 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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81% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Tackling: |
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89% |
| Pass Rush: |
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83% |
| Run Defense: |
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88% |
| Coverage: |
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83% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
4th
Overall Rank:
#119
Position rank:
#7
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| College Games: 36 College Snaps: 1483 | ||
ESPN RATING: 77/100
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247 RATING: 86/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.6 (92%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Nick Bolton - Missouri |
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81% |
| Brian Asamoah - Oklahoma |
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79% |
| Cedric Gray - North Carolina |
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79% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Christopher Paul Jr. transferred from Arkansas to Ole Miss for his final collegiate season after three productive years with the Razorbacks. During his Arkansas tenure, he compiled 137 tackles (68 solo), 15.0 TFL, and 6.0 sacks across 28 games, earning Second-Team Freshman All-American honors in 2022 and a spot on the 2023 Butkus Award watch list.At Ole Miss, the 6'1", 235-pound linebacker elevated his performance, recording 72 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and four pass breakups through 10 games as a defensive cornerstone. His presence helped transform the Rebels' defense into one of the SEC's top units, particularly excelling in coverage where he limited receivers to 5.9 yards per reception.
The Cordele, Georgia native starred at Crisp County High School as a three-star recruit, showcasing versatility at both linebacker and running back. His prep career featured impressive production, including 91 tackles and 20.0 TFL as a senior, and a dominant junior campaign with 157 tackles.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Plus instincts and play recognition skills, quickly identifies blocking schemes and run fits with natural anticipation
- Textbook wrap-up tackler who brings his feet through contact, demonstrates elite finishing ability in the box
- Plus downhill trigger with explosive first step and closing burst to the football in pursuit
- Advanced pattern match ability in zone coverage with fluid backpedal and natural feel for passing windows
- Quick processor who identifies and communicates offensive keys pre-snap to align defensive front
- Strong contact balance and leverage when taking on blocks, maintains gap integrity against zone runs
- Field general mentality with proven ability to coordinate defensive calls and adjustments
- Three-down value with special teams upside and proven production against SEC competition
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Undersized frame limits ability to stack and shed against pro-level offensive linemen
- Lacks elite twitch and bend profile as an edge rusher in pressure packages
- Over-aggressive pursuit angles create vulnerability against misdirection and counter plays
- Struggles to maintain leverage when bigger blockers get into his frame
- Limited lateral range impacts man coverage matchups against shifty backs
Scouting Report: Summary
Looking at the tape, he brings immediate value in subpackages with his advanced coverage traits and quick trigger against the run. His ability to match routes and communicate defensive adjustments stands out on film.The defensive skillset translates well to teams running multiple fronts that emphasize speed and pursuit from the second level. Core special teams contributor early with upside to develop into a starting WILL linebacker role.
While size limitations may restrict scheme versatility at the next level, the instincts, tackling efficiency and coverage ability profile well in today's passing league. Tape study reveals a reliable defender who consistently produces against high-level SEC competition.
How other scouting services rate Chris Paul Jr. (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
94.7
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
10.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.