Washington’s Week 2 preseason date with Cincinnati doubles as a final dress rehearsal for six players fighting for a 53-man spot. Sam Hartman needs a clean, impactful showing to boost his case for a No. 3 QB role and potentially snag a practice-squad path in 2025, while Chris Paul continues to cement himself as a lock to stick, pending a couple of snaps that test his space-moving ability in Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme. Chris Rodriguez Jr. headlines the running backs, needing to outpace a crowded room and prove he can handle more than special-teams duty as Washington trims its backfield.

On the receiving side, Ja'Corey Brooks has emerged as a sleeper with a chance to crack the final roster if he shows he can contribute on special teams and deliver after the catch. Jalyn Holmes is a veteran edge presence whose versatility could earn him a rotation spot, and Kain Medrano’s aggressive, hybrid-safety role keeps him squarely in the competition. The game also serves as a final evaluator for the Commanders’ depth along the lines and at linebacker, with the staff watching how these six key players respond to adversity and pressure in prime-time action.

Fantasy takeaway: Hartman is a long-shot but worth monitoring for a late-upside move or practice-squad waitlist, while Paul’s steadiness could push him into a regular-season role if he continues to show mobility and pass protection. Rodriguez Jr. is the truest in-season wild card among the group—watch snaps, blocking, and usage to gauge his add/stash value. Brooks, Holmes, and Medrano each offer late-round intrigue for dynasty or keeper formats if they rise in the final two preseason games.

Les Snead and the Los Angeles Rams made moves to bolster their roster on Day 3 of the draft, selecting Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr. in the fifth round. Known for his speed and aggressive play, Paul finished last season with impressive stats, including 88 tackles and 3.5 sacks, earning recognition as a Butkus Award finalist.

Fans are buzzing about this pick as he brings a much-needed intensity to the Rams' linebacker corps, which has struggled in recent seasons. Given the current lack of depth at the position, Paul has a solid chance to secure a starting role by the end of his rookie season if he continues to develop and perform well in training camp. His potential to impact the defense immediately makes him an exciting addition for both the team and fantasy sports enthusiasts.

The Los Angeles Rams have addressed a critical need at inside linebacker by selecting Chris Paul Jr. from Ole Miss with the 172nd pick in the fifth round of the draft. This position was a major concern following the trade of Ernest Jones and minimal offseason additions. Paul, who ran a 4.63 in the 40-yard dash and boasts a 36-inch vertical leap, adds speed and agility to the Rams' defense. He is expected to excel as a weakside linebacker, using his athleticism to cover ground effectively.

Last season, Paul demonstrated impressive stats, recording 88 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks, earning recognition as a finalist for the Butkus Award. His experience as the “green dot defender” indicates strong leadership abilities, which will be crucial as he integrates into the Rams' defensive scheme. With the Rams' previous struggles against faster opponents, Paul’s ability to make plays outside the numbers is precisely what the team needs to improve their defense.

The Kansas City Chiefs are eyeing Chris Paul Jr., a linebacker from Ole Miss, as a potential addition to their roster in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Paul possesses remarkable sideline-to-sideline speed and a fluid athleticism that allows him to effectively track down plays. His anticipation and instincts have shown improvement, particularly against the run, making him a compelling prospect.

Despite his size at 6'0 7/8" and 222 lbs, which may deter some teams, his coverage skills are noteworthy. While he has demonstrated the ability to close on routes quickly and mirror threats, his experience in deeper coverage remains limited. Analysts believe Paul could be a top 100 talent, yet his physical limitations might push him to the fourth round. The Chiefs are looking to enhance their linebacker room, and Paul’s unique skill set could be a valuable asset.

The San Francisco 49ers are ramping up their search for a new linebacker to fill the void left by Dre Greenlaw, who departed in free agency. With Fred Warner already solidifying the core of their defense, the 49ers are considering external options, notably hosting Chris Paul Jr. from Ole Miss for a pre-draft visit.

Paul, though slightly undersized at 6-1 and 222 pounds, has made a name for himself with impressive athleticism. His college stats include 225 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks over four seasons. While there are concerns around his ability to shed blocks against larger linemen, his speed and instincts allow him to make plays in the run game. A key factor will be his adaptability in coverage, essential for the Will linebacker role in San Francisco’s system.