**1) Chosen by The Athletic as the Rams' best value pick**
The Athletic had each beat writer covering their respective NFL team select each team's best value pick from this year's draft. Rams beat writer Jourdan Rodrigue chose Paul Jr., who is the first inside linebacker drafted by Los Angeles since Ernest Jones IV in 2021.
(Subscription is required to read the full analysis [here](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6329917/2025/05/05/nfl-draft-best-value-picks-shedeur-sanders-2025/))
According to ESPN Research, Paul Jr. did not allow a touchdown in 665 career coverage snaps during the 2024 season.
**3) Regarded as starter-level player acquired by the Rams in the fifth round**
East-West Shrine Bowl Director of Ops, Player Personnel Eric Galko had high praise for Paul Jr., one of the participants in this year's event. Galko also said Paul Jr. was the only Power Four linebacker with a grade of 78 or higher in run defense, pass coverage and pass rush by Pro Football Focus.