The Miami Dolphins made a semi-big splash this past April when they moved up from the 48th to the 37th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft – giving up a third and fourth round pick on the way – to select Arizona guard, Jonah Savaiinaea.
Although he was by no means the Dolphins’ only offensive line acquisition this past free agency period; the team also signed James Daniels from the Steelers, Daniel Brunskill from the Titans, and swing tackle, Larry Borom from the Bears; Savaiinaea is already being expected to make an impact very quickly.
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski predicts that Savaiinaea will have a substantial impact on the team early on in the season.
Dolphins 2nd Rounder Given High Expectations Early On
“Miami used this year’s 37th overall pick to make sure it had talent along the interior.” Sobleski writes, “Jonah Savaiinaea is making the transition to left guard after primarily playing offensive tackle in college. He’s already building a bond with the Dolphins’ left tackle.
“Having Pat [Paul] here all summer, we got to build that chemistry, especially playing next to him,” Savaiinaea told reporters. “Just building chemistry, not only on the field but off the field, you know, just being able to trust each other.””
Savaiinaea also spoke about the bond that he has already formed with franchise quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who he already sees as a family-like figure.
“For the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa‘s protection is the utmost concern. Savaiinaea understands the assignment.
“Tua’s like an older bro of mine,” the rookie said when asked about the quarterback. “Right when we connected, it felt like we knew each other for a long time. I’ve been hanging out at his house over the break.””
How Does Jonah Savaiinaea Impact The State Of Miami’s Offensive Line?
Both offensive and defensive line felt like clear priorities for Miami heading into the offseason and draft. And on the interior of both, the Dolphins made the necessary additions, adding DT, Kenneth Grant with the 13th overall pick, alongside Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers on Day 3.
Savaiinaea played three years in college at Arizona, amassing 35 starts at both right guard and tackle. However, his size (6’4, 326 lbs), arm length (33 7/8 inches) and playing style made him a far better prospect on the inside than at tackle in the pros.
However, Miami’s protection up front hardly looks perfect. Whilst the Dolphins could have a sneaky strong unit on the interior, the team could have liabilities at both tackle spots.
Austin Jackson was decent, but unspectacular last season – a trend more-or-less reflects the bulk of his career to date. Perhaps more worryingly, he has missed 25 games over the past three seasons, including nine in 2024.
Availability is – as all football fans know – the greatest ability, and it is something that the former USC lineman has very much lacked over the past few seasons. Patrick Paul – who is set to start at left tackle after the retirement of Terron Armstead – will likely not inspire much more confidence, racking up just a 44.9 PFF grade last season – making him the 15th worst qualifying tackle out of 140 at his position.
But players develop, as do units. Especially ones that have to play in tandem with each other as much as the OL does. Hopefully for Tua and co., the protection stays consistent on all parts of the line.
-1750297145-q80.webp "PFF Ranks Dolphins’ Wide Receiver Room Outside Of Top Five")
