Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr. is among the most explosive and dynamic players at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft. Paul Jr. was productive for the Rebels this past season, recording a team-high 88 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. The three-down defender recently improved his pre-draft stock via a standout showing at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl.
Paul Jr. recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Paul Jr. discussed his experience at the college all-star event, what he'll bring to an NFL defense, which teams have shown interest in him thus far, and more.
JM: You were a standout performer at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl. What was the overall experience like?
Chris Paul Jr.: It was a very surreal experience. That’s the best word I can use to describe it. It was awesome to get around a group of guys who are the same caliber of prospect as myself. We worked together to get better every single day.
Watching how those guys performed, how they went about their business, we all inspired one another. It was a fun process, both on the field and in the interview room.
JM: What do you think you proved to general managers and scouts in attendance?
Chris Paul Jr.: I feel like I used the East-West Shrine experience to lay down a great foundation for who I am as a person and football player. I gave it my 100% best on the field every single practice.
I wanted to showcase what I’m all about. I wanted the scouts to see how I was playing this past season, that’s who I really am. I also wanted to highlight what I’ve been training and working on.
JM: You probably met with most teams at the East-West Shrine Bowl. That's standard practice. Did any of those team meetings particularly stand out? Which teams spent more time with you?
Chris Paul Jr.: I feel like I had a great interview with every team I sat down with. A couple teams I felt it went really well with were the Falcons. I spoke with them a bunch. Green Bay was another one. The Jaguars, Steelers, Cowboys, and Commanders went well. The Seahawks, they went well. Those are a few teams that come to mind. I also met with the Rams, Chiefs, Panthers, 49ers, Cardinals, and Lions, to name a few.
I feel like all of my interviews went well. It was a true blessing. It was a dream, a surreal moment. This is something I’ve been working hard for my entire life. To be living in this moment right now, it’s a true blessing.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. You had a team-high 88 tackles and 11 TFLs at Ole Miss this season. What do you think it is about your game that allows you to make so many plays around the football?
Chris Paul Jr.: It’s really about my play style and my daily approach, even in practice. I bring the energy. I try to be that guy who brings enthusiasm to practice. I’m there to get better, and I want my teammates to match that energy.
We had a great defensive front and a great secondary at Ole Miss. They allowed me to play a fast-paced brand of football. I’m used to playing an energetic brand of football. I feed off the energy from the crowd.
I want my teammates to lean on me. All of that helps me go out there to play fast and comfortably.
JM: Talk to me about your ability to play in coverage. It's so important in today's game at the linebacker position. Are you comfortable dropping in space and playing man coverage?
Chris Paul Jr.: Absolutely I am. In all of my seasons, but especially this past one, I thought I did a great job in coverage. I knew it was something scouts wanted to see from me. Not that it was something they didn’t think I could do, they just wanted me to put it on tape more.
I wasn’t always put in coverage situations in past seasons. I played more in space this year and I handled those responsibilities. It was just about putting reps on tape in coverage. That was something I carried over to the East-West game as well.
I felt comfortable in those positions. I relied on the coaching techniques that were taught to me throughout the year. I work those drills every single day at practice. It allowed me to feel comfortable in man and zone coverage. I relied on what I know, and I relied on my teammates. That was a huge part of it.
Going to the East-West Shrine, I wanted to answer those coverage questions in practice. I feel like I really showed the scouts how comfortable I am in coverage. I can get off blocks, play in space, whatever they need. It was a blessing.
JM: You answered those questions. Would you compare yourself to any off-ball linebackers in today's game? Anyone you enjoy studying and learning from?
Chris Paul Jr.: I would compare myself to somebody like Dre Greenlaw. He’s a very energetic player. You can tell he truly loves the game of football, and so do I. His teammates feed off his energy. He’s a field general in my eyes, him and Fred Warner.
They’re similar in that sense. They play fast and with a lot of passion for the game. It’s more than a game to them. That’s why I’d compare myself to those guys. Roquan Smith is another one.
JM: I love those callouts. Now that you've had time to think about it, how do you reflect on the decision to transfer from Arkansas to Ole Miss?
Chris Paul Jr.: It was a blessing. Ole Miss put me in a great position to succeed. Not saying that I couldn’t have done that at Arkansas as well. I created some lifelong relationships at Arkansas. I still talk to those guys today. We check in with one another.
I just felt like if I wanted to really thrive, I needed to surround myself with a group of guys with similar interests as mine. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win. I wanted to play with guys who were willing to lay everything on the line because that’s what I do.
Surrounding myself with those guys at Ole Miss, we bonded as soon as I arrived. I knew everybody in the locker room within that first week. For us to come together so quickly, we went out there and pushed each other. That’s why we had the success we had this season.
JM: This has been an outstanding conversation. We've appreciated your time today. When a team drafts Chris Paul Jr., what kinda linebacker and person are they getting?
Chris Paul Jr.: They’re going to get somebody with a lot of passion for the game. I’m willing to lay my body on the line for my teammates. I expect the same from them. I expect 110% effort.
You’re always going to get my best. You’re getting somebody who plays fast and physically. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. I’m a high-energy guy. Let’s feed off one another.
Off the field, you’re getting a God-fearing man. I believe in my faith. I love giving back to the community because that’s what I grew up on. I’ve always wanted to live my life that way.
I’m thankful for the opportunity and to the people who helped me get here. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
