The 6-7, 331-pounder out of Houston was selected in the second round with the 55th overall pick, which for many didn't jibe with his status as a "project" by many. However, analyst Dane Brugler rated him the No. 59 overall player in the draft and a second- or third-rounder, lending credence to the idea that this was an appropriate selection.
The pluses: Well, Paul certainly has the size (he "looks the part" in scouting lingo) and prototype size and length (36-inch arms and 86-inch wingspan). He's described as aggressive and difficult to disengage with, featuring good lateral mobility. Scouts credit him with recognizing stunts quickly, and as a two-time captain, he has strong leadership qualities.
Paul also has the strength (30 reps in the bench press) and durability (44 starts at left tackle, including 39 straight) needed to give him the best chance of developing relatively quickly.
The minuses: The glaring issue seems to be an overall struggle with leverage and technique that allows him to be beaten inside (due to a wide kick-slide) and by bull rushers (due to poor hand usage and placement).
In the run game, his tendency to get out of balance and rhythm make it difficult to sustain blocks. Paul has a reputation as someone who plays too high and holds too often, which is likely to make him a target of officials on the next level.
The bottom line: Brugler had Paul rated as the No. 8 offensive tackle in the draft, but there are few analysts I trust more on Dolphins-related issues than Simon Clancy, and his assessment of Paul was troubling to read.
Clancy wrote that Paul's technique is "all over the place, and he'll need significant coaching before you could let him on an island in the NFL." If you're considering the rookie to be an eventual replacement for aging veteran Terron Armstead, Clancy's next comment is even more problematic.
"There is a tool-box, and he has some things you can't teach -- he's tough, smart, and nasty -- but I wouldn't touch him until the fourth round, and I wouldn't expect him to see the field for a year or two in any sort of starting capacity."
Even this scenario assumes competent position coaching, which has been a massive weakness of the 'Fins for decades. While Butch Barry had a promising start in the job last year, viewing Paul as a potential two-year project is daunting for a coach of any capacity.
Also, while the value of this pick may be in line according to some rankings, you have to keep in mind who else was available at this spot. A number of highly regarded cornerbacks were still on the board at this spot, and one wonders whether taking one of those or trading back was ever in the conversation for Miami.
In many quarters, the view is that the Dolphins took developmental prospects with each of its first two selections, which is out of kilter with what many perceive to be a rapidly closing window of contention for the franchise. Paul could be under significant pressure to escalate that timeline and mature more quickly, which may be unfair in the kindest interpretation -- and damaging in the harshest.
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