Sometimes it seems hard to believe that Matt Paradis is still just a third-year veteran who won't be eligible for unrestricted free agency until after two more seasons.
He hasn't missed a snap since moving into the starting lineup for the first game of the 2015 season. His rapid maturation -- the product of intelligence and wisdom beyond his years and a season of work with Peyton Manning -- helped him become one of the offense's leaders and an alternate selection to the Pro Bowl last season.
Paradis did all that despite enduring two hip injuries that necessitated two offseason surgeries and nearly six months of rehabilitation.