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Sean McVay Receives Bold Message From a 2025 Rams Pick

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Apr 28, 2025 2:04 PM ET

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay heard some powerful words over the phone during NFL Draft Weekend. McVay received a bold declaration from one of the players he's helping bring in.

The Rams and McVay lured six new talents to L.A. during the draft. But one told the Super Bowl winning head coach he's the best one from his position group of rookies.

McVay is overheard conversing with incoming fifth round linebacker Chris Paul Jr. The head coach tells him how he can't wait to work with him. Paul Jr., however, tells him this.

"[You're] Getting the best linebacker in the draft," Paul boldly said.

McVay responded with "I love that."

The head coach was all smiles with landing the star Rebels linebacker. Paul Jr. delivered six games of hitting eight tackles or higher. He also picked of a pass against Mississippi State.

NFL Network draft expert Lance Zierlein believes Paul Jr. is tailored for a 4-3 alignment. But he likes the talent "Pooh" brings.

"Weakside linebacker prospect with ascending talent and production for a 4-3 defense. Paul is an assignment-oriented linebacker whose play recognition improved as the season progressed," Zierlein wrote in his evaluation.

Zierlein is a fan of Paul's angle pursuits -- which will bolster the Rams' inside linebacker room.

"He takes quality angles to the action and is a sure-handed tackler when he gets his hooks in," Zierlein said.

Paul also has a current trend on his side. The Rams have struck gold in the fifth round. Kyren Williams (2022) and Puka Nacua (2023) emerged as fifth round finds who became Pro Bowlers. Now he sent the message to the Rams that he'll be the top LB from the '25 draft class.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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