Dolphins' Paul, Proctor growing as AFC's biggest left-side 'shield'

July 31, 2026 - 20:08

The Miami Dolphins have quietly assembled something unusual along their offensive line: the largest left side in the entire AFC. Rookie tackle Kadyn Proctor is learning directly from veteran Patrick Paul, and the two are forming a partnership that could anchor the unit for years.

Proctor, a second-round pick out of Iowa, arrived with raw power but needed refinement. Paul, now in his second season, has taken the rookie under his wing. The result is a duo that physically overwhelms defenders. Paul stands at six-foot-seven and 315 pounds. Proctor checks in at six-foot-seven and 330 pounds. Together, they create a wall that opposing edge rushers simply cannot run around.

What makes this pairing work is not just size. Paul has taught Proctor the nuances of hand placement and footwork, the small details that separate good linemen from great ones. Proctor, for his part, is a fast learner. Coaches have noticed how quickly he absorbs corrections and applies them on the next snap.

The Dolphins have struggled with offensive line consistency in recent years. Injuries and rotating starters have disrupted chemistry. But with Paul and Proctor holding down the left side, the team finally has a foundation. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has more time in the pocket, and the running game has found lanes on the outside.

Proctor still has room to grow. He occasionally overcommits on play-action and needs to trust his reads more. But Paul's mentorship has accelerated his development. The two spend extra time after practice reviewing film and working on pass sets.

For a team with playoff aspirations, having a reliable left side is non-negotiable. The Dolphins believe they have found it. If Proctor continues to progress, this pairing could become one of the most feared in the league. For now, they are simply the biggest, and that is a good start.