MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins second-year offensive tackle Patrick Paul is a kind fellow, but get him competing on the football field, and he’s apparently a different character.

Take it from Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, who faces Paul from time to time when he lines up over him at left tackle in training camp.

“He’s annoying as hell to go against — I’ll tell you that much — because he is a s— talker,” Phillips revealed after Tuesday’s practice.

It doesn’t seem like that would be Paul, the 6-feet-7, 326-pound starter now that Terron Armstead has retired. He carries himself so good-naturedly in interviews and interactions with teammates.

“He is a great guy. He’s articulate, intelligent. He’s a very polite, gentle giant,” Phillips said. “But when he gets on that field, he’s a different animal. Which is a good thing. You want your tackles to be hardasses.”

Paul has stood out in the first two weeks of Dolphins camp. Phillips said his smack talk dates back to his rookie season last year, but now he’s polished his technique to go with it.

“He’s always been a s— talker, but I will say that he backs it up more now,” he said. “He’s confident in himself, which I think is such an admirable trait. Because, at the end of the day, there’s so many things that can knock your confidence. One thing that I noticed with him is I’ve never seen his confidence shake, no matter what, even if he’s losing reps. All he does every day is get our pass rushers better, get himself better.”

So what kind of a talker is Paul?

Phillips was asked if he has more of the demeanor of Kevin Garnett or Tim Duncan, both Hall of Fame NBA power forwards. The Miami pass rusher said Paul is more like Shaquille O’Neal.

“Patrick’s the type of dude that’ll laugh in your face,” he said.

Phillips said he himself doesn’t do much talking on the field, but he will get loud if he makes a play.

“During practice, I hate him, but afterward,” Phillips said, “only thing I can do is admire him, admire his physical presence and admire his skillset, admire his athleticism, admire his work ethic, his ability to make adjustments and corrections. I think he’s going to be a fabulous player. He already has made a big step in this league, so Patrick’s a badass. He knows how I feel about him.”

Originally Published: August 5, 2025 at 11:33 AM EDT