2011 NFL Draft: Rounds 4-7

[Dirtbag59]

Overview
Some scouts felt Paul could be the next first-round receiver coming from the Big 12 conference (Dez Bryant, Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin) because of the all-purpose game he showed in 2009. He produced fairly well for the Huskers in their run-oriented offense as a senior (second-team All-Big 12 despite missing two games with a broken foot; 39 receptions for 516 yards and a touchdown, 14 punt returns for 160 yards and 19 kick returns for 464 yards and a touchdown), but big drops and inconsistency haven't convinced teams Paul will be a difference-maker at the next level.

Paul flashes strength and explosiveness with the ball as a receiver, runner and returner, somewhat reminiscent of 2010 first-round pick Dez Bryant. But like Bryant, Paul has character concerns he needs to address before NFL scouts will be willing to spend a high pick to bring him in. Two alcohol-related citations (April 2009, May 2010) call into question his maturity and decision-making, a major issue with the league clamping down on off-field incidents.