Courtesy of USATI

One of the most experienced offensive lineman in this class. Paul started 44 games at Houston. He is a two First Team All-AAC and last season he was First Team All Big-12.

Here is my scouting report on Patrick Paul.

Patrick Paul, OT, 6-7 331, Houston

Initial Quicks: Gets off the ball with some quickness but he also needs to lower his pad level and play with better bend and leverage. Paul has good feet and once he gets his hands a defender, he can reset the line of scrimmage.

Run Block: Physical run blocker when he plays with a low pad level and is able to get his hands inside on defenders. Blocks with a wide base. Better moving laterally in the zone running game.

Pass Block: Sets up quick and does a good job of getting deep in his kick slide. Stays square and forces speed rushers wide. Does a good job of sinking and forces speed rushers back inside on a double move. Paul has elite level pass blocking skills but needs to be consistent.

Pull & Trap: Moves well laterally and when he has pulled, he looks comfortable pulling and getting up the hole and hitting a moving target. Needs to play lower when moving laterally.

Use of Hands: Heavy handed. Gets inside hand position. Extends blocks and controls defenders whether he is run or pass blocking. A strong suti of his game.

Strength: Strong. Plays with good functional strength. Struggles with leverage and moving the pile because he plays high. Needs to show that he can anchor and hold up consistently against stouter guys.

Explosion: Has some pop in his pads but again, Paul needs to learn to play with a lower pad level and better leverage.

Final Report: Paul checks off a lot of boxes and in many ways, he is exactly what the Patriots need. An experienced left tackle. He needs to learn to play with better leverage. If he does that, he has a chance to start and be a possible pro bowl type left tackle.

Draft Range: 2nd-3rd Round