The Miami Dolphins have one of the youngest rosters in the league after moving on from several key players this offseason with new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley taking over.
With that, the Dolphins are hoping that some of those players can step up and progress to make a real impact in the near future.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Benjamin Solak identified Patrick Paul as his top breakout candidate for Miami during their 2026 campaign.
“Paul will play beside first-round pick Kadyn Proctor, as the longtime Alabama tackle makes the kick inside to left guard,” Solak wrote. “With center Aaron Brewer signed to a long-term extension, the Dolphins will quietly have the entire left side of its line secured for years to come if Proctor hits. And with Austin Jackson and Jonah Savaiinaea on the right side, Miami’s trenches could become a strength even in this rebuilding season.”
Paul spent five years at Houston, earning All-Conference honors three times before the Dolphins took him in the second round (No. 55 overall) of the 2024 NFL draft to replace five-time Pro Bowler Terron Armstead.
After struggling a bit in his rookie season in 2024, Paul looked much more comfortable and capable in 2025, earning a 66.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which was good for 45th out of 89 qualified offensive tackles last year.
This is an important year for Paul. Either he proves himself as a mainstay along Miami’s line, or he falls back into the questionable category that could lead to his departure after the final year of his rookie deal in 2027.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins offensive lineman identified as breakout candidate for 2026
Reporting by Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire | USA TODAY Network
