By Ross Jackson
Starters are more than set at the inside linebacker spots for the New Orleans Saints going into 2025. Last year’s starters Demario Davis and Pete Werner are still going to fit in new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system. Most of the linebacker work that will be done to better fit their new situation will happen at the outside linebacker spots, which could take place during this draft.
But in this year’s selection process, the Saints could also take time to invest in their future at inside linebacker. Davis is going into his age 36 season. He ended last year on an uptick and added another successful season to his ledger. From 2019 to 2023, Davis received five consecutive first- or second-team All-Pro nods. Last year ended that impressive streak, but he continues to contribute and be the team’s leading tackler despite his age.
Eventually, the Saints will have to be prepared for what comes after Davis. This year’s linebacker draft class presents some options including Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr.
Chris Paul Jr. (LB, Ole Miss) is one of my value picks in the 2025 NFL Draft:
In the right system, I think he can become a 125+ tackle producer.
Although currently projected to go 110th overall, Paul Jr. is just on the bubble of my top 50. pic.twitter.com/b5D3DBDcFw
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) February 26, 2025
Why Paul is a Good Prospect
While he’s a bit undersized at 6-foot and 222 pounds, his play style and demeanor don’t allow him to suffer. Paul is instinctive and very athletic. He has good speed which allows him to match up well against escaping quarterbacks and the outside run game. He also cuts and changes direction well, which helps him scrape the line of scrimmage but also crash down to avoid a blocker and make a play on the football.
He has the athleticism and play strength to match up with running backs and tight ends. Paul even has numerous reps on his tape of carrying those players vertically.
He blitzes well, and every analysis you can see, hear or read of him acknowledges he operates “inside of a scheme,” showing his processing abilities and trust for the mental side of the game. He executes well what he’s asked to do and remains within the confines of what’s expected but also has the speed and athleticism to go make a play. He needs to develop more confidence in that latter part of his game, but a year working with and learning from Davis should help in that area.
He’s a fiery player that plays with a lot of heart and passion. You can see him celebrate not only his own big plays, but the plays made by his teammates as well.
Ole Miss LB Chris Paul Jr. is a guy I would stand on the table for in this class. He’s an “outlier” that I want on my team. Incredible processing/instincts. Awesome player. pic.twitter.com/xuhFT25Ro9
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) March 9, 2025
Paul’s Offseason Testing Results
- 40-yard-dash: 4.63 seconds
- Vertical: 36 inches
- Broad jump: 9-foot-9
- Shuttle: 4.45 seconds
- 3-Cone: 7.46 seconds
- RAS: 6.13
Paul’s Fit With the Saints
Paul wouldn’t be rushed into a starting situation barring a series of injuries at the position. Instead, he’d have time to develop and learn behind Davis and Werner before eventually stepping into a starting role as a weakside coverage linebacker. The Saints will deploy more odd-man fronts in Staley’s new system, but coverage linebackers on the inside that can do a bit of everything are still necessary. Paul checks a lot of those boxes.
2024 Stats
- 88 combined tackles
- 11 tackles for a loss
- 3.5 sacks
- One interception
- Four passes defended
- One fumbled recovered
Draft Projection
Paul most typically falls in the third-round projection, but some see him as an early day three pick instead. His draft position will be all about which teams love him and which teams like him. He looks like he could fly off the board on day two or linger into day three. If he makes it to the fourth round, the Saints could scoop him up in a major win with the 112 or 131 overall selections.
