‘I’m a tenacious player’: UH left tackle Patrick Paul showcases aggressive approach, athleticism at Senior Bowl

HOUSTON – Patrick Paul kick stepped out of his blocking stance, matching footwork of a charging pass rusher before gaining leverage smoothly, powerfully shooting his heavy hands and slamming the defensive lineman to the ground.

It was a snapshot of how the University of Houston left offensive tackle and All-Big 12 conference selection has showcased his blocking skills and athleticism at the annual Senior Bowl all-star game.

• RELATED: UH pass rusher Nelson Ceasar excelling at Senior Bowl: ‘I have the ability to compete with the best of the best’

Requested for meetings with the entire NFL this week in Mobile, Ala., including meetings with New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas, Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and conversations with Texans scouts, Paul has made a big impression with his combination of size, mobility, technique and upside.

“I’m a tenacious player,” Paul told KPRC 2 in a telephone interview. “I’m trying to make a name for myself. I just want to put my city on the map and my name on the map. I’m showing them how I see the game of football. The most important thing is I came out to compete and I know I’ve competed hard. The first day, I was rusty and everyone was amped up and hadn’t put on pads since the season.

“I’m showing I love football and I’m ready to compete at the highest level. It has been really good. You’re down here and you see a bunch of players you’ve watched throughout the years. You’re finally here in a big environment with the best of the best, competing every day. It’s amazing.”

At 6-foot-7, 333 pounds, Paul has run the 40-yard dash previously in the 5.0 to 5.1 second range. He has extremely long arms at 36 1/4 with an 86 3/4 wingspan and 9 3/8 hands.

Paul has significantly boosted his draft stock this week in practices leading up to today’s kickoff, according to league sources. Multiple NFL teams praised Paul for his size, attitude and emerging ability. He is regarded as a potential top 50 selection with projections anywhere from late first round to second round by most NFL personnel surveyed.

“I really like Patrick Paul,” an NFL executive said. “He’s a very big, very tough kid who has a great attitude. He’s smart. He can move and he’s got a nasty streak. I like him. He has helped himself this week.”

The Jersey Village graduate was a four-year starter for the Coogs who was the highest rated pass protector in college football last season with a 91.5 mark, according to Pro Football Focus.

The meetings with the teams have left Paul encouraged with the feedback and interactions he’s had all week. Among Paul’s other meetings: the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals.

‘It was fun speaking with all of them,” said Paul, who is presented by Roc Nation Sports agents Erik Burkhardt and Leah Knight. “I didn’t feel that much pressure. I just was myself. I hope I left them all with a good mark.”

Paul grew up as a Texans fan and studies Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, modeling his sets and hand movement after the highest paid offensive lineman in the game.

Yes, his meeting with the Texans was memorable for many reasons.

‘Hometown team, it was fun,” Paul said. “You could definitely feel the energy. The Texans went crazy this year.”

A two-time team captain and 44-game starter, Paul allowed just one sack in 469 pass blocking snaps last season with one quarterback hit allowed. He finished 10th national with an overall 81.1 blocking grade and was the top-ranked offensive tackle in the Big 12 with a 98.9 percent pass blocking efficiency grade.

Paul is following in the footsteps of his older brother, Chris Paul, who plays offensive line for the Washington Commanders.

“It’s definitely great because he’s been there and done that,” Paul said. “He’s someone I can ask about the process. It hits home. I’m very proud of him. It’s motivation for me. Now, I have to prove myself and hopefully get there with him. He’s leading the way. When it’s my turn, I know what to do.”

Paul’s goal: to become a first-round draft pick one day.

And that starts with an intense mentality.

“Keep him away from the quarterback, no one gets past me,” Paul said. “My offensive line coach fosters that it’s a big thing to finish and go past the whistle. I play the game with that dog mentality.”

A boxing and martial arts enthusiast, Paul supplements his football workouts with extra work on the punching bag.

This was an extremely positive experience for Paul all week as he continues to grow in the draft process that will include a trip to the NFL scouting combine. Paul was visited at practice by current UH coach Willie Fritz and offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator Eman Naghavi.

“That’s love,” Paul said. “A lot of coaches were out there from college. I appreciate that.”

It has been an intense week, too, for Paul and the other draft prospects assembled in Alabama. Draft stock and money is on the line and there’s a lot to prove with so much talent on the field.

“It’s so intense,” Paul said. “Everyone is there for one of the biggest interviews of their life. There’s a lot of pressure and a lot at stake. It’s intense with guys going as hard as they can. Another box checked. Everyone here is good. I’m looking forward to the game.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.