The Los Angeles Rams signed some of their 2025 draft picks last week, including Mississippi linebacker Chris Paul Jr., who was selected in the fifth round after the team traded up with the Minnesota Vikings.
“It was amazing just getting that phone call and knowing that a team is taking the opportunity with me,” Paul said of being drafted by the Rams.
“It’s amazing. I can’t wait to get out there to L.A. and contribute and just be a factor on that defensive side. Whatever Coach needs me to do, I just can’t wait to be a contributing factor.”
Paul spent his senior season at Ole Miss after beginning his collegiate career with Arkansas. With the Rebels, he recorded 88 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, four pass deflections, one interception and a fumble recovery.
Paul is considered undersized for his position at 224 pounds, but makes up for it with incredible instincts and athleticism. “They talked to me and told me that they liked my film [and] they love my character,” Paul said of his conversation with Rams officials.
“That’s one thing that really stood out to me is that they like what I do off the field. They like the way that I like to give back and how I talk to people. There are a lot of emotions going at this moment right now, but all I can say is I’m truly blessed to be in this position. I’m truly blessed that an organization took a chance on me and laid it on the line for me. I’m ready to come out there and be a contributor.”
Paul appreciated the fact that the Rams moved up to get him and said that motivates him even more to be successful. “No doubt. It really shows how much this organization trusts me,” he said.
“It really showed me how much of a foundation I laid out for myself for them once I got my opportunity in the interview process. It means a lot to me that they traded up for me. It just goes to show that each and every day, I have to give 110 percent. They’re going to get that regardless, but that right there meant a lot to me.”
Chris Paul Jr. explains ‘Pooh’ nickname
Paul is known as “Pooh” by many of his former teammates and revealed the nickname has stuck with him since he was a child. “To make a long story short, all six of my sisters are in the building right now,” Paul began.
“They’re going crazy right now. They can’t keep the door closed. I have six older sisters and one younger brother. I played a lot of travel ball growing up. I ended up catching an interception and I ended up scoring it. I posted this picture on my Twitter. My mom got jackets made, like hoodies made with my name painted in bold letters over the top and my face painted on the back as well and on the sleeves it had ‘I love you Poo Paul’, the ‘number one best’ on the chest and ‘number one player’.
“Once I get a picture, I can show you guys. It is crazy. She got matching jackets for all my sisters and my aunts. My mom had a 3-D cutout that she brought to every game. Every time I scored or I made a big tackle, she was up there screaming, ringing cowbells and holding that 3D picture over the gate.”
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