Listed at 242 pounds, the 6-foot-1 Paul says he is in the best shape of his life. He’s 10 pounds lighter than last season – when he packed on 27 pounds to better handle the rigors of the position – but at the same time, he is now stronger because while rehabilitating, he could do nothing but lift and watch football.

The scowl and massive beard Paul wears on his face reflect a fire burning within the 26-year-old’s heart. Last season was supposed to be a career year for Paul, who entered training camp as the starter at his position and drew daily praise from his coaches for his play. But the ankle injury in the preseason opener derailed everything. Now, back on the field, Paul feels like he’s ready to burst.

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“So hungry, man. I just can’t wait. I feel like a different person out there now,” Paul said after Wednesday’s practice. “I still feel like myself, Niles, but I feel it’s just a more intense version after I took that loss, and now, I appreciate being out there with my boys. It was a real depressing time for me, and I had people in my corner to help me get through, but it was still hard. Now, I’m out here with my boys, and Larry Hess and [the other trainers] are trying to protect me from myself, but they can’t. They just can’t.”

Paul flew around on Wednesday, making catches, popping defensive players – even though no one wore pads during a session that for everyone else was non-contact – eager to make up for lost time.

If all goes according to plan, Washington should have a much-improved tight end unit this coming season. In 2015, Jordan Reed produced a banner year – which earned him a rich contract extension this offseason – but beyond Reed, Washington lacked consistent contributors. The absence of another reliable receiving threat at tight end hampered the Redskins, particularly in the red zone, and the lack of a quality blocking tight end hurt the rushing attack.

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Paul aims to help solve both deficiencies in his return.

“I’m back even better and ready to do what I’ve got to do. … Weight-room wise, I’m stronger. Football-wise, I’m smarter, because I couldn’t do anything but watch football for a year. You take those little things for granted when you just play football. But now, I’m able to take on other positions and just ready to get out there.”

The “other positions” Paul referred to include fullback, where Washington is likely to go without a traditional player at that position because Jay Gruden prefers multiple-tight-end formations to the one-tight-end, one-fullback look.

Paul, who entered the NFL as a wide receiver, received consideration as a second-year player from coaches for a move to safety before settling in at tight end, possesses the versatility to wear both hats, coaches believe. And Paul agrees.

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“The fullback nothing but an extension of the tight end anyway,” he said, adding, “I’m a jack of all trades. We were just arguing about it out there, and you can’t label me with one thing. I can play receiver, I can play fullback, I can play tight end. I can play wherever you put me at. I’m a real Swiss Army knife out here.”