The Miami Dolphins have been intentional about beefing up the line of scrimmage over the last two years.
This offseason they drafted three defensive tackles and in the 2024 draft they picked edge rushers Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara. They also took a 6'7" behemoth left tackle, Patrick Paul, from the University of Houston in the second round of last year's draft.
With four-time Pro Bowl LT Terron Armstead heading into his twelfth season, there is a good chance that they had an inkling he would be retiring soon.
Well, Armstead announced his retirement on X just a few weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft, paving the way for Paul to step into a starting role.
According to Isaiah Smalls II at the Miami Herald, the second-year lineman is extremely confident in his ability to become a key contributor.
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Patrick Paul (52) walks on the field during joint practice with the Washington Commanders at Baptist Health Training Complex.
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Patrick Paul (52) walks on the field during joint practice with the Washington Commanders at Baptist Health Training Complex.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
"I'm built for this," Paul said. "I’ve always been ready for the moment, and that’s why I play football: to compete at the highest level."
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel called the second-year lineman's confidence a "huge accelerator," also noting Armstead's mentorship from last season as a potential catalyst.
"There’s a piece of him too – when you have a player like ‘T-Stead’ invest in you, you want to bear fruit of that investment," McDaniel said.
Smalls II went on to highlight multiple other reasons Paul believes he is ready to make a jump.
"After an offseason in which Paul made a point to work on his body, dropping from 332 to 320 pounds, in addition to studying the playbook, the left tackle said he feels more mature. The best part? Paul has been able to maintain his strength and speed despite his slimmer frame." Small II wrote.
It seems safe to say that the Dolphins will be relying heavily on new starters like the young left tackle to step in and make a difference. After all, they also signed guard James Daniels and right tackle Larry Borom.