The Miami Dolphins gambled big in the offseason when they decided 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul was ready to be Terron Armstead’s successor at left tackle. After losing the five-time Pro Bowler to retirement earlier this year, the Dolphins opted against hunting for a starting quality veteran in free agency or picking an offensive tackle early in the 2025 NFL draft.
Paul, 23, instead entered camp as the unquestioned starter on the left side of the offensive line. So far, he’s rewarded the Dolphins’ faith with some impressive practices that have inspired hope that he’s up to the task of filling Armstead’s large shoes.
“I think his growth has been monumental,” Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said of Paul earlier this week. “I think he’s one of the guys that you can feel a different energy based on earned confidence. … His game’s really developed. He is really one of the pillars of deliberate practice, I think. Where that lends his game is always positive, which is why each and every day that he goes out and competes is a valuable day for his ascension.”
According to McDaniel, Paul’s growth can be attributed to the high level of competition he faces in practice on a daily basis. With pass rushers Chop Robinson, Bradley Chubb, and Jaelan Phillips on the other side of the line of scrimmage, it’s sink or swim for offensive tackles on the Dolphins’ practice field.
“Patrick’s been doing great because he has to,” McDaniel said. “Otherwise he would be miserable because you go on the grass against our edges, there’s no days off.”
Before August is over, Paul will also get reps against Montez Sweat of the Chicago Bears, Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions, and Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker of the Jacksonville Jaguars in joint practices. If that continues to sharpen Paul’s skills, the Dolphins offensive line could be in good hands on the left side.
#Patrick #Paul #stonewalling #defenders