Chris Wells

Physical Profile

Listed at 6-3, 227 lbs. Taller than 71% and heavier than 90% of 2026 Linebacker prospects in the SEC Scouts database (207 with a listed size).

Play Style

His stat line (more tackles and TFLs than sacks) and his own description of his role point to a pursuit-and-disruption edge player more than a speed rusher who lives in the backfield. He's most useful setting the edge, squeezing runs back inside and chasing from the back side, where his length and effort produce TFLs and forced fumbles. He sees himself as a stand-up player who can rush, spill or drop rather than lining up head-up to absorb blocks. I couldn't verify full Hudl or game film, so assessments of his get-off and bend are inferred from production and profile, not confirmed on film.

Strengths

• Steady production in the backfield over two varsity seasons at Petal under Marcus Boyles: 42 tackles, 10.0 TFL and 3.0 sacks as a junior, then 39 tackles, 7.0 TFL and 3.0 sacks as a senior. That adds up to 17 TFL in two years against Mississippi 7A competition.
• Creates turnovers: two forced fumbles as a senior. He attacks the ball when he arrives instead of just finishing the tackle.
• Fits the scheme and knows his role. He described himself as a 'walk-down edge' rather than a pure block-taker, and Auburn's outside linebackers staff led his recruitment for exactly that hybrid OLB/edge job.
• Athleticism from playing two sports. Basketball footwork and lateral agility should help when he's asked to drop into the flat, carry a back or set the edge in space.

Areas to Improve

• Turning pressure into sacks: 3.0 sacks in each of his last two seasons is modest for a P4 edge signee. He needs a dependable primary rush move (long-arm or cross-chop) and a counter so he finishes at the QB instead of just getting near him.
• Strength at the point of attack: at 215-227 he will get moved by 310-pound SEC tackles and tight ends on down blocks. Two years of building lower-body and core strength is the key to whether he can play on early downs.
• Hand usage and pad level: at a frame-first prospect's stage of development, he needs to land first hands inside and play with leverage rather than winning on effort and pursuit.

College Projection

He is a redshirt candidate in 2026 and needs a full year of strength and conditioning to get to around 240. His earliest snaps are likely to come on special teams (kickoff and punt coverage use his length and pursuit) in 2027. With good physical development he could become a rotational walk-down edge/SAM by his third or fourth year, mainly as a sub-package rusher and run-down edge setter. If the frame stalls, a move to an off-ball SAM is a realistic backup plan.

Best Fit

A 3-4 or multiple front that uses a hybrid stand-up OLB/edge who has to set the edge, rush and drop. That is the role Auburn recruited him for under Bellantoni. Programs that can red-shirt and develop a frame over 3-4 years get the most out of him. A pure 4-3 hand-down defensive end role at his current size would not suit him.