If all goes according to plan for the Miami Dolphins, second-round rookie Patrick Paul likely won’t see the field much early in his NFL career. The 6’8 offensive tackle will instead sit behind five-time Pro Bowler Terron Armstead on the depth chart.
It’s not a bad place to be.
Armstead, 33, has been among the best at his position for nearly a decade and has been considering retirement for a while now. Even if he manages to play all 17 games this year — something he’s never done in his career — Paul may only need to wait until 2025 to take the reins at left tackle.
In the mean time, he gets to learn from one of the best. On Saturday night, that tutelage was on display on the Dolphins’ sideline during a preseason game against the Washington Commanders.
Tstead working with Paul on the sidelines #GoFins pic.twitter.com/xAecJapGtF
— Kash $$ Fins (@KashMon96052351) August 18, 2024
Paul could use the help. While he made a strong first impression against the Atlanta Falcons in his preseason debut, Paul was among the lowest graded players Saturday against the Commanders and allowed a sack that turned into a red zone turnover for the Dolphins.
Fortunately for Paul and the Dolphins, he doesn’t need to be a polished player quite yet. And both offensive line coach Butch Barry and Armstead are working to get Paul ready for action.
