The Rams continued their aggressive approach to Day 3 of the NFL draft, trading two sixth-round picks to move to No. 172 overall to draft Ole Miss inside linebacker Chris Paul Jr.
The Rams traded picks No. 201 and 202 to the Vikings to move up for Paul. It’s their third trade of Day 3, moving up previously to take Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter and Ohio State defensive tackle Ty Hamilton.
The Rams have needed help at inside linebacker and did little to address it this offseason beyond adding free agent Nate Landman and bringing back Troy Reeder.
Paul, who is not related to the NBA star of the same name, has a chance to make an instant impact for the Rams in run defense and blitzing. He had a 4.5% miss rate in 2024 while recording 54 run stops, according to Pro Football Focus. He needs work in coverage, but had 24 quarterback pressures and six sacks.
