Patrick Paul Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

School: Houston

Class: Junior

Position: OT

HT: 6’7

WT: 315 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #44

Background: Patrick Paul was a 3-star offensive tackle out of Houston, Texas. He and his brother, Chris Paul (no, not that Chris Paul), were standout offensive linemen. Chris was selected in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. Patrick played his final two high school years at Jersey Village High School. As a senior, he helped lead Jersey Village to a district title. This was in a season where Patrick was first team all-district. His senior season was the first year in which he played offensive line after spending his football life at defensive line. Patrick chose to play for his hometown Houston Cougars instead of his brother’s school, Tulsa.

College: His first two seasons at Houston gave a glimpse into what he could be at left tackle. However, he only played in 5 games in 2 years, suffering a season-ending injury early in the 2020 season. Paul was a first team All-AAC member in both 2021 and 2022. Houston moving to the Big 12 meant Paul would be facing tough competition for his final year. Patrick Paul continued to boost his draft stock in 2023. He was a consensus 2nd Team All-American and a 1st Team All-Big 12 selection. In 777 snaps, Patrick Paul did not allow a single sack for the entirety of the season.

Strengths: Patrick Paul is one of the most polished tackle prospects in the draft. He is technically sound in both the run and pass game. Additionally, he is more experienced than most of his peers, having been a 4-year starter. Paul has incredible length that no edge rusher can match. With a wide base and long arms, Paul makes it near impossible to set the edge on him. Paul is a flexible mover and can bend his knees low to the ground in order to maintain leverage in the phone booth. This aforementioned length and athleticism translate to him being an excellent pass protector. He maintains a good pad level and rarely ever loses the leverage battle. He diagnoses different blitz packages well, also able to react to stunts smoothly while keeping his feet planted. Paul can also get out and move down the field. He shows a willingness to finish an assignment and instantly move to the next assignment. He creates large running lanes for the ball carrier and is fast enough to stay in front through the second level on those big rushes.

Weaknesses: Patrick Paul does not usually play with the strength that you would expect from a player his size. If he gets beat, it is usually due to him being physically outmatched. He is often beat by the quick footed pass rushers. His size makes it difficult to consistently display proper technique.

Conclusion: Paul has shown flashes of a stud offensive tackle, but the consistency needs to be there. His raw talent and size were able to get him by at Houston, but his technique needs to be refined for him to succeed in the NFL.

Scheme Fit: Gap Rushing Offense

Ideal Role: Right Tackle

Best Team Fits: NYJ, MIA, KC

Player Comparison: Rob Havenstein

Player Grade: 84.0