Extreme Aggression: Offensive Tackle Patrick Paul

University of Houston left tackle Patrick Paul was extremely aggressive on every rep in this three-game block of film study from 2022.

Paul blocks like he means it.

From that standpoint, Paul moves the meter, but he is not a first-round valuation. I love his physicality and aggressive nature so much I could send him a Valentine’s Day card. However, first-round grades are reserved for dynamic elite talent and Paul was too raw to fit that description last season.

What does he look like pass blocking?

Paul has the demeanor of a warrior street-fighter on game film. I can’t stress how much I love that about him.

Pre-snap he has good posture and often he is ready to strike setting up with one leg back to give him a head jump pass protecting.

Paul looks and moves like an oversized tight end. He’s super athletic and has a high school track and field background according to his university’s website. The site also additionally reveals, “he’s a prodigy at martial arts.” Paul has some of the quicker feet I’ve seen in an offensive tackle. He takes choppy steps to establish depth in the pocket and to get ready to wage war with oncoming pass rushers.

This University of Houston lineman has really long arms and active hands he uses to clamp onto the shoulder pad area of pass rushers like two huge crab hands. It’s like something you might see in a video game.

I am frankly surprised he doesn’t get called more for holding.

His style of blocking is his own, and while it’s not always pretty, it’s effective most of the time. Even when he gets beat inside, he gives the kind of effort that gets the job done.

Run blocking

Paul really enjoys run blocking and it shows on game film.

This Cougars left tackle is tenacious and does whatever it takes.

The issue is he gets out of control and has some challenges sustaining and controlling run blocks long enough.

Paul can also move very well and run fast. No issues getting to the second level (where the linebackers line up pre-snap) or even getting further downfield. However, always hitting the targets was inconsistent.

Oh brother

NFL teams are interested in knowing if a prospect has any family ties who have or are playing in the league.

Paul’s older brother Chris, was selected by the Washington Commanders in the seventh-round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

If I was an NFL GM…

While he’s the perfect third-round developmental type pick, I’d be willing to reach on him because of his aggressive level and athleticism. It covers up most of his shortcomings.

I’m interested to circle back and see what he looks like on his 2023 game film.

He’s my type of player.

#76 Patrick Paul 6-foot-7, 315 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Fall 2023 Grade: Second-Round (I would select him)

Projected by 16.5% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of October 9, 2023 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2022 game film reviewed: UTSA, SMU, and Tulane (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2022 stats: allowed 12 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, and one sack (nfldraftbuzz.com)

NFL comparable: George Fant

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Athletic high-cut frame with a muscular developed upper body and thinner lower legs. Battles violently in pass pro. Active. Highly competitive. Lacks polished hand technique. Plays at a high pad level. Lacks bend. Relies on pure physical strength to control with a wide base initially. Compensates with top effort even when he loses leverage inside and at the back door of the pocket. Underwhelming anchor against bull rushes, but eventually was able to hunker down. Decent against “X” stunts. Aggressively works to get the job done run blocking. Good job inline pulling. Pancakes blocks whenever possible. Not polished-looking overall. Inconsistent sustain. Tends to get out of control in space.

What to watch for during the 2023 college football season

1. What does his hand technique look like in pass protection?

2. Controlling blocks at the backdoor of the pocket in pass protection?

3. How does he look versus bull rushes?

4. Consistently sustaining run blocks?

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.