2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Chris 'Pooh' Paul Jr.

Strengths

• He displays impressive athleticism, showcasing sideline-to-sideline speed and pursuit.
• Exceptional blitzing linebacker
• Eager to confront blockers at the point of attack and able to stack and shed larger linemen despite having a smaller frame.
• He understands run fits and knows how to control his gap, funneling the runner back toward the teeth of the defense.
• Can match stride-for-stride with tight ends in man coverage
• Sure tackler, who only had a 7.67% missed tackle rate.
• He has an excellent sense of the game and identifies his keys early in a play.

Weaknesses

• Slightly undersized, he is listed at only 235 pounds, the same weight he was when coming out of high school.
• He can be overaggressive in pursuit and prone to leaving an open cutback lane.
• Still needs to mature in zone coverage, particularly against mesh and crossing concepts.

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Chris Paul Jr.

Chris Paul Jr. is a sneaky, under-the-radar player who projects to be a plug-and-play starter for any team needing an off-ball linebacker. Although the position has diminished recently, Paul keenly understands the game, which translates well to the next level.

His ability to provide run support makes him an attractive option on day two for numerous teams. He pressures the line of scrimmage and has a strategy when engaged with bigger linemen, which is rarely seen on tape for most collegiate linebackers. He understands run fits and demonstrates selflessness, often maintaining his gap to allow his teammates to thrive.

Based on the tape, his game has few apparent weaknesses. He's slightly undersized, so adding strength without sacrificing athleticism will be essential. He'll need to refine his zone instincts in coverage if he wants to be a true three-down linebacker, but these only require minor adjustments. The foundation is solid; it merely needs further development.

Given the significant investment already made in linebackers, I'm unsure if Chris Paul Jr. is on the Bears' radar, considering their current needs and the resources already allocated to the position. Nevertheless, drafting Paul would provide a team seeking a reliable linebacker capable of fulfilling multiple roles as an immediate starter.

Pro Comp: Patrick Queen