The Rams’ selection of Ole Miss linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr. with the 172nd overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft was a strategic move to bolster a thin linebacker unit. Traded up for by general manager Les Snead, Paul’s addition addresses a critical need for depth and playmaking ability in a defense transitioning after the departure of veterans Christian Rozeboom and Jake Hummel. Known for his speed, instincts, and versatility, Paul brings a high-motor, sideline-to-sideline presence that aligns with the Rams’ defensive philosophy under coordinator Chris Shula. Paul’s background, college performance, skill set, and fit with the Rams, drawing on scouting reports, media analyses, and expert evaluations to assess his potential impact in Los Angeles.
Background and College Career
Born on November 4, 2002, in Cordele, Georgia, Chris Paul Jr. emerged as a standout at Crisp County High School, where he amassed 391 tackles, 49 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks over four varsity seasons. A two-way player who also moonlighted as a running back, Paul’s athleticism and tenacity earned him a three-star recruit ranking, attracting offers from SEC programs like Arkansas, Tennessee, and Nebraska. Choosing Arkansas, he spent three seasons (2021-2023) with the Razorbacks, appearing in 28 games and recording 137 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and six sacks. His redshirt freshman year in 2022 was particularly notable, earning Freshman All-SEC honors with 62 tackles and eight tackles for loss.
Seeking a larger role, Paul transferred to Ole Miss for his redshirt senior season in 2024, where he exploded onto the national scene. Playing the Mike linebacker role in defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s 4-2-5 scheme, he led the Rebels with 88 tackles (50 solo), 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and four pass breakups. His performance anchored one of Ole Miss’ most dominant defenses, which set school and national records with 52 sacks and 120 tackles for loss. Paul’s standout games included nine tackles against No. 2 Georgia, showcasing his ability to disrupt elite competition. His accolades included Associated Press Third-Team All-American, Second-Team All-SEC, USA Today First-Team All-America, CFN SEC Linebacker of the Year, and a finalist nod for the Butkus Award, recognizing the nation’s top linebacker.
Paul’s nickname, “Pooh,” stems from his parents, both nicknamed “Pooh” in their youth. The moniker stuck after his mother displayed a sign with his face and “Pooh” during a high school game following an interception. A family man, Paul transferred to Ole Miss partly to be closer to his fiancée and newborn daughter, balancing football with fatherhood. His father, a Navy veteran and former semi-pro player, guided his football journey, instilling a relentless work ethic.
Scouting Report and Skill Set
At 6’1” and 222-235 pounds (reports vary), Paul is slightly undersized for an NFL linebacker, with a 30⅛-inch arm length that falls below typical thresholds. However, his athleticism, instincts, and versatility compensate for his frame limitations. Scouting reports from Bleacher Report, NFL Draft Buzz, and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler highlight his key attributes:
- Positives:
- Athleticism and Speed: Paul’s 4.63-second 40-yard dash and sideline-to-sideline range allow him to cover ground quickly, chasing down ball carriers and covering pass-catchers. His fluid hip transitions and closing burst make him effective in both man and zone coverage.
- Instincts and Play Recognition: Paul’s elite pre-snap processing and ability to diagnose blocking schemes enable him to align defenses and adjust coverages. His performance against SEC competition, like Georgia, demonstrates his football IQ.
- Tackling Efficiency: With a 4% missed tackle rate in 2024 (per PFF), Paul is a sure-handed tackler, delivering controlled aggression. His 54 run stops and 11 tackles for loss underscore his run-game disruption.
- Coverage Skills: Paul’s natural ball skills (four pass breakups, one interception) and ability to match running backs and tight ends in man coverage make him a modern weakside (WILL) linebacker. He tightens throwing windows in zone and reroutes receivers with active hands.
- Pass-Rush Ability: With 3.5 sacks and 24 pressures in 2024, Paul excels as a blitzer, using agility to evade linemen and pressure quarterbacks.
- Leadership: Described as a “field general” by The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, Paul compares himself to NFL stars like Dre Greenlaw and Roquan Smith for his energy and ability to inspire teammates.
- Negatives:
- Size and Strength: Paul’s smaller frame and skinny legs can lead to struggles against larger offensive linemen, occasionally losing gap discipline or being pushed around in run defense.
- Coverage Consistency: Early 2024 struggles with eye discipline and route anticipation suggest he needs to refine his coverage instincts to excel against NFL pass-catchers.
- Instinctive Limitations: While improved, Paul can overcommit to plays, vacating his zone or guessing on zone runs, which could be exploited by savvy offenses.
- Tackle Technique: Fatigue can lead to sloppy tackling, rising up instead of driving through ball carriers, per NFL Draft Buzz.
Bleacher Report grades Paul as a 7.3 (high-level backup/potential starter, third-round value), while NFL Draft Buzz ranks him as the fifth-best linebacker with an 84.8 rating, projecting him as a WILL linebacker with immediate special teams impact and starter upside.
Fit with the Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ linebacker corps entered 2025 as a weak point, with Nate Landman, Troy Reeder, Omar Speights, Tony Fields II, and Elias Neal comprising the room. Speights, a 2024 undrafted free agent, emerged as a starter, but the unit lacked depth and playmaking ability, especially in coverage, where Reeder and Rozeboom struggled. The Rams’ decision to trade up from No. 201 and No. 202 to No. 172 with the Minnesota Vikings underscores their high valuation of Paul as a solution to this gap.
Defensive Scheme Alignment
Under defensive coordinator Chris Shula, the Rams employ a 3-4 base defense with frequent sub-packages, emphasizing speed, versatility, and aggression. Paul’s skill set aligns seamlessly:
- Run Defense: Paul’s downhill aggression and low missed tackle rate (4%) make him an effective run-stopper, complementing defensive linemen like Fiske and Poona Ford. His 54 run stops in 2024 address the Rams’ 2024 tackling issues, as noted by Sports Illustrated.
- Pass Coverage: The Rams need linebackers who can cover in sub-packages against pass-heavy NFC West offenses (e.g., San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan). Paul’s ability to match running backs and tight ends in man coverage and his zone awareness (four pass breakups) fill this void. The Athletic’s Brugler notes his need for route anticipation development, but his athleticism suits situational roles.
- Pass Rush: Paul’s 3.5 sacks and 24 pressures add blitzing value, allowing Shula to scheme him alongside Verse or Josaiah Stewart for creative pressures. Sports Illustrated suggests he and Speights could stack the line, with either blitzing or dropping into coverage.
- Special Teams: Paul’s high-motor style and tackling reliability make him an immediate special-teams contributor, a critical role for a fifth-round pick. Brugler emphasizes his “all-out” play style shining in this capacity.
Role and Development
Paul joins a linebacker room where he can compete for snaps immediately. Speights, the projected starter, started as an undrafted rookie in 2024, suggesting Paul, with superior college production, could vie for a starting role by late 2025. His potential as a green-dot (defensive signal-caller) candidate, given his pre-snap processing, aligns with the Rams’ need for a defensive quarterback, as noted by @JourdanRodrigue on X. Sports Illustrated’s Brock Vierra praises Paul’s football IQ, comparing him to a “Rhodes scholar” of the game, suggesting he could become the Rams’ next signal-caller.
Paul’s undersized frame (222-235 pounds) is less concerning for the Rams, who prioritize effort over strict size thresholds, per @JourdanRodrigue. However, he’ll need to add strength to handle NFL linemen, particularly in run defense. Coaching from Shula and veteran guidance from Landman and Reeder will be crucial for refining his coverage instincts and tackle technique, areas where he showed improvement but needs polish.
Comparison and Ceiling
Paul compares himself to Dre Greenlaw and Roquan Smith, citing their energy and leadership. Bleacher Report draws a pro comparison to Zaire Franklin, a fifth-round pick who became a tackling machine for the Indianapolis Colts. Sports Illustrated boldly claims Paul has “All-Pro potential,” citing his gap-shooting speed and playmaking instincts. If he develops his coverage consistency and adds muscle, Paul could become a three-down starter by his second year, potentially leading the Rams in tackles by 2026, as predicted by @RamblinFan on X.
Expert and Media Evaluations
Paul’s selection was widely praised as a Day 3 steal, with experts highlighting his value and fit:
- Yahoo Sports: Called Paul a “versatile, high-motor defender” who led Ole Miss’ elite rush defense, noting his sideline-to-sideline ability and coverage skills.
- Sports Illustrated: Labeled Paul the “steal of Day 3,” predicting he’ll neutralize rushing attacks and limit quarterback scrambles, with potential to start as a rookie due to the Rams’ thin linebacker room.
- The Athletic (Dane Brugler): Ranked Paul as the seventh-best linebacker, praising his “all-out” style but noting size limitations. Brugler gave him a third/fourth-round grade, suggesting the Rams got excellent value at No. 172.
- PFF: Highlighted Paul’s 4% missed tackle rate and 87.2 PFF grade, calling him one of the best college linebackers.
- NFL Draft Buzz: Projected Paul as a WILL linebacker with immediate special teams impact and starter upside, citing his 84.8 rating.
- X Sentiment: Posts from @RamsBrothers, @42Cyc, and @camdasilva lauded Paul as a “future star” and “really good pick,” emphasizing his tackling efficiency, speed, and third-round value. @JourdanRodrigue noted his urgency and fit with the Rams’ size-agnostic approach.
However, some critiques emerged. @cameronsoran on X expressed concerns about Paul’s Arkansas tenure, where he was “pushed around” due to his size, though his Ole Miss performance mitigated these doubts. Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano criticized the Rams for waiting until Round 5 to address linebacker, contributing to his C grade for the draft class.
Potential Impact in 2025 and Beyond
In 2025, Paul is likely to start as a special-teams contributor and situational defender in sub-packages, leveraging his speed and blitzing ability. His path to a starting role depends on outplaying Reeder and Fields, but his college production and athleticism suggest he could see significant snaps by midseason, especially in pass-heavy games. The Rams’ history of developing late-round talent (e.g., Puka Nacua, Beaux Limmer) bodes well for Paul’s growth under McVay and Shula.
Long-term, Paul’s ceiling is a three-down WILL linebacker and potential green-dot leader. His ability to rack up tackles (225 career tackles), disrupt in the backfield (27 tackles for loss), and contribute in coverage positions him as a cornerstone for the Rams’ defense, especially as they face mobile quarterbacks like Kyler Murray and Brock Purdy. If he becomes a household name, SoFi Stadium could echo with “Pooh” chants, as envisioned by Rams Wire.
Conclusion
Chris Paul Jr.’s selection at No. 172 was a savvy move by the Rams, addressing a glaring linebacker need with a high-upside player whose speed, instincts, and versatility fit their defensive scheme. His breakout 2024 season at Ole Miss, marked by 88 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and All-American honors, underscores his potential to become a starter and leader. While his undersized frame and coverage refinements pose challenges, his tackling efficiency, pass-rush ability, and special-teams value make him an immediate asset. Praised as a Day 3 steal by experts and fans alike, Paul embodies the Rams’ knack for finding impact players late in the draft. As he joins a young, reloading defense, “Pooh” Paul has the opportunity to become a fan favorite and a pivotal piece in the Rams’ quest for a second Super Bowl in the McVay era.
Sources:
- Turf Show Times: Rams trade up for Chris Paul Jr.
- The Rams: Official draft announcement and bio
- Yahoo Sports: Five things to know about Chris Paul Jr.
- Sports Illustrated: Paul as a Day 3 steal
- Bleacher Report: Scouting report and draft profile
- NFL Draft Buzz: Scouting report and ranking
- LAFB Network: Rams’ trade-up analysis
- Rams Wire: Paul’s highlights and nickname origin
- 13WMAZ: Central Georgia native drafted
- Posts on X: @JourdanRodrigue, @RamsBrothers, @42Cyc, @camdasilva, @acosta32_jp, @paulie23ny, @cameronsoran for sentiment and analysis
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