Commanders' overlooked draft pick delivers in last shot at redemption

For an offensive line that has struggled with consistency at times early in the campaign, it's a level of steadiness that could prove invaluable.

Now, context is always essential. There wasn't a Dexter Lawrence II or Devonte Wyatt/Rashan Gary/Micah Parsons in front of him, but you can only compete against the man in front of you, and Paul was excellent.

In reshaping Washington’s offensive identity, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has emphasized the importance of having wide-bodied, upper-half-heavy linemen who can function as road-graders in the run game while still holding their ground in pass sets. At 324 pounds, Paul’s build and style align perfectly with that vision.

He’s thick through the shoulders and chest, strong at the point of attack, and able to generate movement in double-teams while maintaining his balance. Against Las Vegas, his presence helped stabilize the interior. Washington leaned on a heavy-run plan, and the value of consistent ground fits was evident as Washington rushed for over 200 yards.

But the outing wasn’t just about numbers or schematic fit. It was about Paul capitalizing on a rare opportunity.

The NFL is where depth players often wait for their break — a benching, an injury, a coaching change — to showcase their abilities. Paul got a chance in Week 3, and he didn’t blink. Performances like these, especially as a prior regime player, build trust with teammates and decision-makers.

While Coleman could work back to his starter's duties next week against the Atlanta Falcons, Paul’s play has made it all the more difficult for the Commanders to relegate him back to the sidelines without consideration.

And considering Coleman was a healthy scratch, Paul could sit atop the depth chart at left guard this week.

What made Sunday shine for the Commanders was the continued attention toward building its offensive foundation around the run game, knowing that consistency on the ground eases the burden on a young quarterback.

There was no Jayden Daniels under center in Week 3. Still, Washington's ability to pound yards out play after play as the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year sat in street clothes showcased the proper foundation of how the offense wants to earn their money moving forward.

Interior stability is crucial in making that vision work. Paul’s size, discipline, and patience fit the blueprint.

What makes the development even more interesting is how it could shift the competition inside. Washington already has a dynamic core on the offensive line, but the staff has now shown a willingness in games that matter to shuffle pieces in an effort to find the right mix.

If Paul continues to thrive when given opportunities, he could become more than just a rotational piece — he could cement himself as a centerpiece of the interior, especially in the ground game, where Kingsbury wants to lean heavily.

Paul’s rise also underscores the importance of depth in today’s NFL. Injuries, roster decisions, and matchup-specific game plans mean backup linemen can no longer be developmental players waiting in the wings. They must be ready to perform immediately, and the 2022 seventh-round pick prepared himself for the moment.

For head coach Dan Quinn, his performance is encouraging on multiple levels. It highlights the coaching staff’s ability to identify skill sets that fit their scheme, and it offers reassurance that the line’s depth is more substantial than perhaps perceived. It could also be the first step toward reshaping his career trajectory from reliable depth to a trusted starter.

The Commanders’ success this season will depend heavily on their ability to establish balance offensively while protecting Daniels and controlling games at the line of scrimmage. If his Week 3 outing is any indication, Paul looks ready to be part of that solution.

It remains to be seen how Washington will handle the left guard spot down the line, but one thing is clear: Paul made the most of his chance.

In a league defined by opportunity and execution, he passed his test with flying colors.