Miami Dolphins fortify a key area by selecting OT Patrick Paul in the second round of the NFL Draft
The Miami Dolphins selected Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul with the 55th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Miami certainly needed to do something with its offensive line early in this draft, and they finally did. However, it's perhaps not at the area that fans and some analysts were expecting them to address first, […]
The Miami Dolphins selected Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul with the 55th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Miami certainly needed to do something with its offensive line early in this draft, and they finally did. However, it's perhaps not at the area that fans and some analysts were expecting them to address first, as the team has two starters on the outside for 2024 and fewer answers on the inside.
A to Z Sports' draft analyst James Foster ranks Paul as his 59th best overall prospect and 8th overall offensive tackle.
Patrick Paul Scouting Report from A to Z Sports Film Room's James Foster
Strengths:
- Enormous frame with 36+ inch arms
- Smooth/controlled kick slides & excellent pocket range
- Repositions hands as the play develops
- Can reach 2nd level landmarks & adjust path in open space
- Just 9 pressures allowed in 2023
- Loose ankles & quality play strength when anchoring
- Patient pass blocker. Doesn't overextend or fall for the 1st move
- Balanced shuffle to mirror pass rushers in both directions
- Length + foot speed gives him the ability to recover
Weaknesses:
- Unrefined hand usage. Not completely raw, but punch timing/accuracy need work
- Punches wide/late & gives rushers access to his chest
- Stops his feet & leans into run blocks
- Will open hips & waist-bend prematurely vs. speed rushers
- Doesn't consistently finish or play with much edge as a run blocker
- Sometimes clicks his heels & narrows his base on reach blocks
- Still needs to improve hand technique after 5 years in college
- Needs to play with heavier hands. Initial punch is rarely impactful
Even though the Dolphins have returning starters Terron Armstead and Austin Jackson back in 2024, Armstead's future is anything but rock solid. The veteran has never made it through a full season in his entire career, and he considered retirement in the offseason before ultimately deciding to return for another year. As such, the team clearly is looking for a potential answer for the future at the position.
Paul has a lot of upside with excellent athleticism at the position, but he could use some work to firm up his technique. As he'll get the chance to learn without having to start week one, it could be a great opportunity for Paul to develop, improve, and work into a starter down the road.
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