MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins are turning to second-year tackle Patrick Paul to fill the void left by the retirement of veteran Terron Armstead. Paul, who was drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, is expected to take over as the starting left tackle when the team opens training camp in July.

A Promising Prospect

Patrick Paul made three starts last season and has been preparing diligently for his new role. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has expressed confidence in Paul's abilities, noting his significant development since his rookie season.

"I think for one, he epitomizes a player that didn't waste his rookie season," McDaniel said. "He had a huge transition to make in terms of style of play and kind of really the detail that we ask tackles to play with, and he had Terron Armstead in the building every day. He had a ton of veteran leadership within the room, and he really chopped wood each and every day."

Learning from the Best

Paul had the unique opportunity to learn under Armstead, a four-time Pro Bowler, during his rookie year. Armstead has continued to support Paul even after retirement, frequently visiting the team facility to offer guidance.

"Pat Paul will do his part. I promise you that. He'll do his part," Armstead said. "He will work his butt off. He's going to use his talents and his abilities, his strengths. Everything that happens after that is going to be out of his control."

Offseason Improvements

Paul has spent the offseason familiarizing himself with the Miami area and the team's training facility. He has also worked on his physical conditioning, losing 10 pounds from his rookie playing weight of 320 pounds.

"I think I just matured in my game. That just comes with time," Paul said. "I think [playing] offensive line is hard, and as you go day by day, you're just going to keep fine-tuning your skills and one day it's just going to click. I think that everything that we do out here day by day is just going to start getting easier, and I think I've reached that point where I know what it is, I know what to expect from me and I know how to do it."

High Expectations

The Dolphins' offensive line struggled last season, ranking 28th in pass block win rate and 26th in run block win rate. General manager Chris Grier has invested in the unit this offseason, signing free agents Larry Borom and James Daniels and drafting guard Jonah Savaiinaea in the second round.

Grier has made it clear that Paul is expected to start at left tackle, and now the pressure is on Paul to prove he can handle the responsibility.

"No, not really. I'm built for this," Paul said. "Always been ready for the moment, and that's why I play football -- to compete at the highest level and to be the best at my job, so I'm ready."

Looking Ahead

As the Dolphins aim to improve their performance at the line of scrimmage, all eyes will be on Patrick Paul to see if he can rise to the occasion and become a cornerstone of the team's offensive line.