Speaking in absolutes is something that only a sith would do. If that’s the truth, call me Darth Payton. Last year I walked out of the NFL Combine knowing that Sione Vaki was a Lion. I felt it on every level. It just made way too much sense.
After a week at the 2025 NFL Combine, I have found the guy who gives the same vibes that I got from Vaki last year. So I’m prepared to make a guarantee in this year’s draft. If I’m wrong, well then oh well, but if I’m right, I will purchase a Powerball ticket. Here’s my pick: Ole Miss linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul.
Why he’s the pick
First off, the Lions’ interest in him is really showing. The Lions have already met with Paul twice in the month of February. They had a meeting with him at the Shrine Bowl in early February and then had a formal meeting with him at the Combine early in the week.
Very similar to Vaki where he met with the Lions at the Senior Bowl and then had a formal interview a few weeks later.
The second thing is just talking to him about his experience with the Lions coaching staff and his response really gives you the feeling that he’s a big culture fit.
“So I had a formal with them Monday night, and it went pretty good, and the thing that stood out to me was they wanted to learn about me as a person, they wanted to learn about who I was off the field, and that’s important to me because I’m big on bonds. I like building bonds on and off the field. If I can build a bond off the field, then I’m going to fight for you each and every Sunday, and learning about someone off the field really shows you a lot and shows someone’s character that way. As well as that person’s why. Why are you here? Why are you standing here? So yeah, that’s something that stood out to me, but yeah, we sat down and talked football and dove deep into that knowledge and things and understanding concepts.”
The Lions are a team that is all about being a part of something bigger than yourself, and Paul just fits right into that mold.
What the Lions get and why they’d pick him
On the outside it looks like the Lions are all set at linebacker, so why would they draft one this year? Well, at this point we don’t know if Derrick Barnes is coming back or if he’ll maybe follow Aaron Glenn to New York or sign elsewhere. We also know that Alex Anzalone only has one year left on his deal and he’ll be 32 when the 2025 season starts.
With Paul the Lions get a guy who’s a lot like Azalone in the sense that he can blitz and get through the hole to the quarterback or running back. But they also get a sideline to sideline guy like they have in Derrick Barnes.
Also with the recent release of Jalen Reeves-Maybin, the Lions may be looking for a reload at the position regardless of what happens with Barnes.
Where can he be picked?
Right now Paul is slated to go early in the third round, but the Lions could be right there to pick him with he 60th pick at the bottom of the second round. If they don’t pick him there, you could see a trade up for Paul much like you did with Vaki last year.