Tampa Bay could look to bolster their linebacker room this April
With the NFL draft quickly approaching, the Buccaneers have done a good job of filling out their roster in free agency and looking for depth along the way. They’ve added many players at positions of need while also bringing back many key guys.
However, the roster isn’t a finished product by any means and that is okay right now. The draft represents another opportunity for Tampa Bay to add talent to positions of need and even with the legendary Lavonte David returning for a 14th season in 2025, inside linebacker remains a need for this team.
That is where Ole Miss’ Chris Paul Jr could come into play. Let’s take a deeper dive into the Ole Miss linebacker and if he is a fit for the Bucs.
Chris Paul Jr’s Collegiate Career
Chris Paul Jr, nicknamed “Pooh” does not have any relation to Chris Paul the basketball player, but he’s on track to make a name for himself on the football field.
He began his college career at the University of Arkansas and found success as a redshirt freshman in 2022 with 62 tackles and four sacks. He became a full time starter for the Razorbacks in 2023 and started nine games for them before entering the transfer portal after the season. He transferred to Ole Miss and had a successful season in 2024, being named to the All SEC second team and was selected by USA Today to their All-America first team.
Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
In his lone season at Ole Miss, Paul Jr displayed explosiveness, having 88 tackles and 3.5 sacks along with one interception. He has shown an ability to rack up tackles while also being able to get after the quarterback.
Pro Day and Scouting Combine
Paul weighed in at the NFL Scouting Combine at 6’1”, 222 pounds and ran a 4.63 40 yard dash, which was tied for the 11th highest time by an inside linebacker this year. He also participated in the 10 yard split and ran a 1.62. In addition to those, he did the vertical jump which he registered 36” and the broad jump which he got 9’9”.
Ole Miss has not yet had their pro day, and it is unclear on whether or not Paul Jr will be participating in any drills at the event.
What Paul Jr can do for the Bucs in 2025
It might not be immediately, but Paul Jr would have a real opportunity to play a significant role on this defense in his rookie season. Despite bringing back Lavonte David, the inside linebacker position for Tampa Bay is still one that needs work and was a weakness last year even with David in the fold. The team added veteran Anthony Walker while letting K.J. Britt head elsewhere. Tampa Bay is high on SirVocea Dennis, who dealt with injuries last season but Paul Jr would definitely have a possibility to play sooner rather than later if Dennis/Walker struggle and/or get hurt.
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Playing next to Lavonte David would be a great position for a guy like Paul Jr to be in. To be able to learn from and watch a player like David would do wonders for his potential development.
Three-Year Outlook
If all goes well, Paul Jr could certainly be a key fixture on the Bucs defense for years to come. The inside linebacker position is so crucial for defending the middle of the field against both the run and the pass. Tampa Bay has been extremely fortunate to have Lavonte David for all these years, but he won’t be here forever and in three years’ time, it’s highly unlikely he’s still playing football.
Tampa Bay will need a long-term plan at the linebacker position eventually and Chris Paul Jr could definitely be a part of that.
Stock Report
Paul Jr is likely to be a day two pick at some point. I think it’s possible he could slip into day three, but highly unlikely. If Tampa Bay wants him, they probably would have to use their third round pick on him, which is 84th overall.
There have been many hits on day two when it comes to linebackers such as Tampa Bay’s own Lavonte David, but also guys like Bobby Wagner and Fred Warner. However, for as many hits as there are, there are just as many misses. Well which category Paul Jr fits into.
On The Clock…
Okay Bucs Nation, it’s your time to make the call. Would you like to see Chris Paul Jr in Red and Pewter next season?
Let us know in the comments and poll below!