The Los Angeles Rams attempted to atone for the sins of unceremoniously trading away starting linebacker Ernest Jones, by bringing in a slew of linebacker talent, most of which seemed like wild shots in the dark.
They resigned Troy Reeder, brought in Nate Landman from Atlanta to pair with 2024’s standout undrafted free agent Omar Speights. They also took a swing in the third round of the NFL Draft on Chris Paul Jr. out of Ole’ Miss.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote the following of Paul, “Overall, Paul won’t be a fit for NFL teams that have strict size thresholds at the position, but his ‘all-out’ play style will find a way to be productive at the next level. He should shine on special teams.”
Paul measured at 6 feet 0 and 7/8 inches tall, placing him in the 18th percentile among NFL prospects. He weighed in at 222 pounds, which ranks in the 3rd percentile, indicating a leaner build for his position. His wingspan of 75 3/8 inches sits in the 19th percentile, while his arm length of 29 7/8 inches is particularly short, landing in the 1st percentile.
Los Angeles Rams Rookie LB Chris Paul Gives Fred Warner Vibes
That didn’t dissuade NFL analyst Doug Farrar from giving Chris “Pooh” Paul a wild comparison.
“New @RamsNFL LB Pooh Paul Jr. It sounds sacrilegious, I know, but I get a Fred Warner vibe here. Runs receivers up the rail, reads everything from the middle, he’s a demon to the backfield… all the way to how he can pressure from the weakside B-gap on an overload front.“
Since entering the NFL as a third-round pick in 2018, Fred Warner has established himself as one of the premier linebackers in the league. Through the end of the 2024 season, Warner has amassed 776 total tackles, including 34 tackles for loss, along with 7.5 sacks, 7 interceptions, and 45 passes defensed. He’s also forced 6 fumbles and recovered 4, showcasing his ability to impact the game in all phases.
A cornerstone of the San Francisco 49ers’ defense, Warner has earned multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections thanks to his elite coverage skills, sideline-to-sideline range, and leadership in the middle of the field. His consistent production and durability have made him one of the most respected defenders in the NFL.
