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'More arm length drama': Another NFL Draft prospect's measurement makes waves

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Mar 28, 2025 6:54 PM ET

One NFL Draft prospect’s arms have apparently grew in the last month.

When former Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr. was measured at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana, last month, his arm length measured 29 7/8 inches. However, when his arm length was measured at the Ole Miss Pro Day on Friday, the measurement was different.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Paul’s arm length at Ole Miss pro day was measured at 30 3/4 inches.

More arm length drama: Ole Miss LB Chris Paul Jr measured 29 7/8 inch arm length at the Combine and 30 3/4 inch by NFL scouts (not Ole Miss) at his pro day.

Paul had the lowest missed tackle rate in college football, anyway, so the tape spoke loudly. https://t.co/RSmfpNxhyk
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 28, 2025

That’s nearly an inch different, and it’s quite unlikely that Paul’s arms actually grew in a matter of weeks. Rather, there was likely just a discrepancy with the way the measurements were taken.

Paul isn’t alone in having a different measurement from the combine compared to another event. A comparison showed that the combine just seemed to have resulted in shorter arm lengths for several prospects.

It's not just Will Campbell – the difference in his arm measurement is actually smaller than many of the top players from both the Senior & Shrine Bowls

Seems like the NFL may have gotten something wrong at the Combine. I'd think teams want to get their own numbers this year pic.twitter.com/5FfbYEjxA6
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) March 26, 2025

Former LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell was the face of this arm length controversy. There was talk that he might have to play guard due to short arms, but that stuff was overblown. And it turned out to be incorrect anyway.

This year you should assume a player's actual arm length is about .5 inch more than their combine measurement. If they measured in at a bowl or pro day go with that number.

Combine/Pro Day arm lengths for top OL:
Josh Conerly – 33.5/34.25
Will Campbell – 32.625/33
Tyler Booker -… https://t.co/bViycI8zQS
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) March 26, 2025

Paul transferred to Ole Miss from Arkansas. He had 88 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception last season.

Here is a highlight of his:

Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr. consistently produces some of the best tape in this LB draft class.

He displays a great motor with phenomenal awareness, consistently making plays against the run and pass, overall a great blend of athleticism and tools.

Top-4 LB in the Class pic.twitter.com/8Pqwo9xNnw
— Andy (@CUandyy) March 7, 2025

Now that the length of his arms has been resolved, teams can feel comfortable drafting him.

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

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