In the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins fortified their offensive line by selecting Houston’s Patrick Paul as the 55th overall pick. The towering lineman, who stands at an imposing 6’8 and weighs 331 pounds, transitions to the professional level after an impressive tenure with the Cougars. Throughout his three years as Houston’s primary left tackle, Paul consistently earned all-conference distinctions, underscoring his skill set and tenacity on the field.
Paul’s journey to the Dolphins comes with observations regarding his play style, notably an inconsistency in maintaining balance and optimal pad level. Such technical aspects of his game have perhaps played a role in him still being available for Miami to swoop in at pick No.
55. Despite his few areas for improvement, Paul positions himself as a potential key figure in the offensive line’s future, given his considerable physical attributes.
Immediate starting duties seem unlikely for Paul within the Dolphins’ current setup. Veteran Terron Armstead securely occupies the left tackle position, with Austin Jackson holding down duties on the right. Miami also continues to have the services of Kendall Lamm, a reliable backup capable of high-caliber play, as evidenced during his stand-in performances for an injured Armstead in 2023.
Looking ahead, the sustainability of the offensive line remains a pivotal concern for the Dolphins. With both Armstead and Lamm potentially facing their twilight years in the league, depth and future readiness become imperative. Prior to bringing in Paul, Miami had bolstered their defensive capabilities by selecting Penn State’s edge rusher Chop Robinson at 21st overall in the first round, demonstrating a balanced approach to their draft strategy.
As of now, the Dolphins are positioned without further picks until the fifth round, where they will make their next selection at No. 158 overall on Saturday afternoon. With their immediate draft capital focused on shoring up both their offensive and defensive lines, Miami’s strategic picks reflect an earnest effort to build a resilient and competitive roster for the upcoming seasons.