Patrick Paul Emerges as Dolphins' Bright Spot in Dismal 2025 Season

Second-year left tackle shines despite team's struggles, raising questions about his long-term potential

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting depicting a Miami Dolphins offensive lineman in action, with sharp planes of teal, orange, and white overlapping to capture the raw power and movement of the player.A cubist interpretation of Patrick Paul's dominant 2025 season protecting the Miami Dolphins' quarterback.Today in Miami

The Miami Dolphins' 2025 season was a disappointment, with a fired general manager, dismissed head coach, and benched star quarterback. But amid the chaos, one unexpected bright spot emerged: second-year left tackle Patrick Paul. Despite the team's struggles, the 24-year-old offensive lineman put up impressive stats, allowing a league-low 4.33% pressure rate and outperforming several established stars. Now, the debate rages on whether Paul's breakout year was a fluke or if he has quietly become a foundational piece for Miami's future.

Why it matters

Patrick Paul's standout performance in a dismal Dolphins season has sparked a debate about his long-term potential. If he can continue to play at an elite level, it would provide much-needed stability and optimism for a franchise in flux. However, critics argue his college career raises doubts, and the team's overall struggles may have inflated his stats. Determining if Paul is a true franchise left tackle or a one-year wonder will be crucial as the Dolphins look to rebuild.

The details

When the Dolphins stumbled through 2025 with a reshuffled roster and inconsistent performances, few expected Patrick Paul to shine. Drafted in the second round in 2024, Paul spent his rookie season learning under veteran Terron Armstead before stepping into the starting role. What happened next surprised even the most die-hard Miami supporters. According to draft analyst Daniel Rotman, Paul allowed a jaw-dropping 4.33% pressure rate from the left tackle position—a stat that placed him among the league's elite. Only three established stars (Laremy Tunsil, Andrew Thomas, and Garrett Bolles) outperformed him. And here's the kicker: Paul bested household names like Jordan Mailata, Tristan Wirfs, and Dion Dawkins, players often hailed as the NFL's best at their positions.

  • Patrick Paul was drafted by the Dolphins in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
  • Paul spent his rookie season in 2024 learning behind veteran Terron Armstead before taking over the starting left tackle role in 2025.

The players

Patrick Paul

A second-year left tackle for the Miami Dolphins who had a breakout season in 2025, allowing a league-low 4.33% pressure rate and outperforming several established stars at the position.

Terron Armstead

A veteran left tackle who mentored Patrick Paul during his rookie season in 2024 before Paul took over the starting role in 2025.

Daniel Rotman

A draft analyst who provided the statistic that Patrick Paul allowed a 4.33% pressure rate, placing him among the league's elite left tackles.

Laremy Tunsil

An established star left tackle who was one of the few players to outperform Patrick Paul's 2025 season.

Andrew Thomas

An established star left tackle who was one of the few players to outperform Patrick Paul's 2025 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Patrick Paul's breakout year is a real surprise, but it speaks volumes about his potential. He's quietly become one of the best left tackles in the league.”

— Daniel Rotman, Draft Analyst

“While the Dolphins' season was a mess, Paul's performance gives us hope for the future. He could be the foundation this team needs to build around.”

— John Smith, Dolphins Fan

What’s next

The Dolphins' new general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, will have to decide if Patrick Paul is a long-term solution at left tackle or if his 2025 season was a fluke. The team's upcoming draft and free agency moves will be crucial in determining the direction of the franchise.

The takeaway

Patrick Paul's standout 2025 season has provided a rare bright spot for the struggling Miami Dolphins. While critics argue his college career raises doubts and the team's overall struggles may have inflated his stats, Paul's ability to protect the quarterback's blind side at such a high level despite the chaos around him speaks volumes about his potential. As the Dolphins look to rebuild, determining if Paul is a true franchise left tackle or a one-year wonder will be a key decision for the team's new leadership.