Linebacker remains a key need for the 49ers following the departure of Dre Greenlaw, who signed with the Denver Broncos in free agency.
In his senior season at Ole Miss in 2024, Paul tallied a team-leading 88 tackles (11 for loss), 3.5 sacks, four passes defensed, and one interception over 12 games (11 starts), per Sports Reference. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award, given to the nation's top linebacker.
Across four collegiate seasons—beginning at Arkansas before transferring to Ole Miss in 2024—Paul amassed 225 tackles (27 for loss), 9.5 sacks, five passes defensed, one interception, and one forced fumble.
He ranks No. 83 on Pro Football Focus' big board and earned career-high marks in 2024: an 87.2 overall grade, 84.9 run-defense grade, 85.9 tackling grade, 84.0 pass-rush grade, and 78.1 coverage grade.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Paul measured 6-foot-1, 222 pounds and posted a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, a 36-inch vertical jump, and a 9-foot-9 broad jump during on-field testing.
In January, the 49ers also met with Paul earlier this year at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
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