The Miami Dolphins are in the middle of a significant roster transformation, and while many experts are busy debating which young player will lead the franchise forward, one name keeps flying under the radar: offensive tackle Patrick Paul. The 24-year-old lineman might just be the most important piece of the puzzle that nobody is talking about.
Under new management, the Dolphins have made it clear they are committed to building through youth. The team has parted ways with several veteran players, leaving only four players over 30 on the roster, two of whom are special teams specialists. The 2026 NFL Draft brought 13 new faces to South Florida, but the question remains: who among the young core has truly proven themselves at the professional level?
While some analysts have pointed to edge rusher Chop Robinson as the team’s most promising building block, the numbers tell a different story. Robinson’s advanced metrics have been underwhelming, ranking near the bottom among qualifying pass rushers. Paul, on the other hand, has established himself as a legitimate force on the offensive line. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-7 and weighing 326 pounds, he seems custom-built to dominate in pass protection.
After spending his rookie season learning from Dolphins legend Terron Armstead, Paul stepped into the starting left tackle role and immediately made an impact. His pass protection grade ranked among the top 30 in the league, and he surrendered only five sacks despite protecting one of the least mobile quarterbacks in the NFL. With a more athletic signal-caller like Malik Willis now under center, those numbers could improve dramatically.
The Dolphins would be wise to secure Paul’s services with a long-term contract extension as soon as he becomes eligible after the 2026 season. Whether the franchise finds its quarterback of the future through the draft or develops Willis into a starter, Miami can build with confidence knowing their blindside protector is locked in for years to come.
