Commanders may have quietly found their most surprising breakout star yet

The Washington Commanders have needed more from those occupying lower positions on the depth chart over the opening five weeks of the 2025 season. Some have wilted under the pressure, but most have thrived with additional responsibilities on their shoulders.

This is bringing a series of surprising breakouts, which is a testament to how well prepared players are by head coach Dan Quinn and his staff. Several are establishing themselves as potentially long-term pieces of the puzzle, and there is one name that could be the most stunning of all.

Washington's offensive line didn't start the season well, especially on the interior. They were overwhelmed and outmatched with a national audience watching on Thursday Night Football in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. Drastic action was needed, and Quinn used the team's mini-bye week to implement the necessary alterations.

Chris Paul is repaying the Commanders' faith with stunning renaissance

Andrew Wylie came in to replace Nick Allegretti on the right-hand side. Brandon Coleman was also demoted, with Chris Paul getting a chance to showcase his credentials at the left guard position. Fans were skeptical, but it's been a masterstroke so far.

Paul's spent most of his four years in Washington on the fringes. He always did enough to stick around, which most didn't think was possible when the new regime came into the fold. The former Tulsa star was ready when his time came, displaying the sort of consistency that could cement his starting status beyond the current campaign.

The 2022 seventh-round pick has improved his technical prowess exponentially. Paul's hand placement at the contact point is first class, and he can mirror pass-rushers extremely well with enhanced footwork and awareness. He's also picking up stunts and shifts more effectively, which became an ongoing frustration in previous years.

Washington is putting Paul's athleticism to good use in the run game. He's holding a core base, although this could be improved. However, his ability to get out on pulls and move quickly to the second level has been a significant asset to call upon.

Paul's 70.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 17th out of 105 qualifying guards. His 79.9 pass-blocking grade places fifth, which is nothing short of astonishing for someone who wasn't expected to make the 53-man roster heading into training camp.

If Paul maintains this performance over the next few weeks, general manager Adam Peters should consider offering him a new deal ahead of time. The price is only going up, and quality interior linemen are a hot commodity on the free-agent market.

That's precisely what Paul is becoming after a renaissance of epic proportions so far.