Although Patrick Paul was selected in the second round with the intention of becoming the Miami Dolphins’ left tackle of the future, he is currently ranked behind two astute veterans in the team’s depth chart. Paul’s initial objective since moving to South Florida is to stay up with the offence, guided by Kendall Lamb, Terron Armstead, and the rest of Miami’s offensive line. Playing quickly is really the first thing I’d advise, Paul stated during last week’s minicamp. Everyone is aware that this is a pretty quick offence. Simply playing quickly, paying attention to coaching, and comprehending the playbook. In my opinion, playing quickly.
Last season, NFL quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had the fastest release time in the league with an average throw time of just 2.36 seconds. The offensive line performed well and the quick release resulted in an average of less than two sacks per game. Paul clarified, “With the pass sets, it’s kind of just making sure your guy doesn’t get to the quarterback.” Thus, just prevailing at all costs. Even if the ball is held for ten seconds, you will still man down that player without really caring when it is released.
Nine guys on Miami’s offensive line played at least 35 percent of the snaps last season as they overcome waves of injury concerns. While Armstead and Lamm played the majority of Miami’s left tackle snaps and allowed five combined sacks, Austin Jackson played a team-high ninety percent of the snaps. Paul described what he learned from Armstead as “just the knowledge on what to focus on each day, because he’s a mentor of the game.” “The little triumphs we have every day is one of the things he told me that I can connect to. Gain control of your set. Don’t attempt to finish everything in a single day. Simply accumulate days and make 1% progress every day.
Paul said, “He’s a master at his craft, Lamm. He’s a wonderful man and quite intelligent. He consistently turns up and works hard. I have great regard for that person, and I learn a lot from him every day. I find it really impressive that he has been able to raise his game on a regular basis. I adore it.Five-time Pro Bowler Armstead will get the start, with Lamm assigned to the backup role. Kion Smith is also under contract; he played left tackle in five games the previous campaign.
Paul, who stands 6’8” and weighs 331 pounds, was viewed as “an unfinished project” by Houston after making 39 starts in three seasons. However, with Miami’s depth, he won’t need to be put in the fire. To see how quickly Paul settles into Mike McDaniel’s system will be interesting. Although his technique was criticised in college, offensive line coach Butch Berry and the Dolphins don’t necessarily value it. Paul, along with his massive size, will prioritise physicality over speed.
Regarding the offensive line’s priorities during the offseason, guard Robert Jones stated, “Dominating the line of scrimmage and firing off the rock was the No. 1 thing coming into OTAs.” “Our goal is to demonstrate our superiority in the trenches; we’ll focus on technique and everything else later. That is what we have been doing all day long.