In the first year of their rebuild, the Miami Dolphins don't have many foundational pieces on their roster.
But left tackle Patrick Paul is apparently one of the players worth a first-round pick.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell released a column identifying players from each team who could be worth a first-round pick in a trade. He listed Paul, defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, and offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor. But Barnwell believes Paul is the Dolphins' best building block at the moment.
"After serving as a swing tackle in 2024, the 24-year-old entered the starting lineup at left tackle in 2025 and held his own amid what can only be described as a cratering season for Miami," Barnwell wrote. "Paul would occasionally get beat around the edge, but he was a solid pass blocker and impactful as a mobile run blocker in Mike McDaniel's run game. If he takes another step forward in 2026, Paul could be a real bright spot for the Dolphins, who famously turned another young left tackle into a haul of first-round picks."
Why Barnwell sees Paul as untouchable
Miami is unlikely to trade Paul. But as WWE Hall of Famer "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase once said, "Everybody has a price."
In recent years, teams have increasingly been willing to trade foundational players, either at the deadline or during the offseason. But Paul and, eventually, Proctor will likely be the Dolphins' bookend tackles for the foreseeable future.
Paul established himself as a reliable long-term cornerstone after moving from right tackle to left tackle last season following Terron Armstead's retirement. In 975 snaps, Paul allowed four sacks and 25 total pressures while starting all 17 games. He also improved his Pro Football Focus grade from 44.9 as a rookie to 66.2 in 2025, ranking 45th among 89 qualifying tackles.
Interestingly, running back De'Von Achane was one of five players (center Aaron Brewer, linebacker Jordyn Brooks, cornerback Chris Johnson, and edge rusher Chop Robinson) who just missed the cut. Achane recently signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension.
Running backs are generally viewed as more replaceable than premium positions, and teams can often find productive starters without spending significant draft capital. Those are likely the reasons Achane wasn't included alongside Paul, Grant, and Proctor.
There are plenty of questions surrounding the Dolphins as they enter the season after releasing several high-priced veterans. But it's encouraging that they have talented young players like Paul, who could help anchor the franchise through what may be a difficult season.
