Every NFL offseason, fans and coaches alike keep their eyes peeled for the young players who can transform a roster’s outlook . In South Florida, amidst the sun-soaked fields of Miami Dolphins OTAs, one rookie is already demanding attention. Jonah Savaiinaea — a name Dolphins fans may want to get very familiar with — is wasting no time making his presence felt. In a franchise filled with big names and even bigger expectations, it’s the unproven but promising rookie guard who has many buzzing as the Dolphins gear up for the 2025 season.
Miami’s Murky Offseason Moves
It’s hard to argue that the Dolphins enter the 2025 season in a stronger position than they were just a few months ago. On paper, this offseason brought as many questions as it did solutions. Miami saw the departure of safety Jevon Holland. Meanwhile, the long-term durability of franchise cornerstones like Jalen Ramsey, who might get traded , and Tyreek Hill remains uncertain. For a team that had flirted with contention the past few years, these unresolved concerns loom large.
Yet the front office wasn’t passive. The Dolphins addressed glaring weaknesses in the trenches by signing James Daniels. He was one of the league’s top interior offensive linemen before his Achilles injury sidelined him early in 2024. Daniels’ 92.9 PFF overall grade before going down speaks volumes about his talent. Until he’s fully healthy, however, his return remains theoretical.
The Dolphins also took decisive action in the NFL Draft, fortifying both their offensive and defensive lines. Defensively, they added Kenneth Grant to bolster the front seven. Offensively, they made a bold move to trade up in Round 2 and select Jonah Savaiinaea. It signals their commitment to getting younger, stronger, and more athletic up front. Still, Miami’s secondary depth chart looks thin. The Dolphins’ long-term outlook remains clouded with “ifs” as they walk a tightrope between competing and rebuilding.
The Rise of Jonah Savaiinaea
Sure, much of the Dolphins’ offseason has been defined by uncertainty. However, Savaiinaea has emerged as one of the few bright, steady lights. The rookie out of Arizona has come into OTAs with an approach that belies his inexperience. Offensive line coach Butch Barry sees something special — not just in his skill set, but in his work ethic.
“Explosiveness,” Barry said about Savaiinaea’s early performance. “You see he’s a big-body guy that’s really explosive, that can run. He’s a big-body, heavy-handed player that can anchor the pocket, but you know he’s got the explosiveness in the run game.”
That versatility is already proving invaluable. Savaiinaea has seen reps at both guard positions during OTAs. That’s a necessity with Daniels still rehabbing. His ability to shift across positions gives Miami flexibility, allowing the coaching staff to experiment with different combinations as they wait for Daniels’ return. With backup options underwhelming, the Dolphins may very well need Savaiinaea to step into a starting role sooner than expected.
Earning Trust Through Work
What’s been most impressive about Savaiinaea isn’t just his athletic profile. It’s how quickly he’s embraced the grueling standard set by Coach Barry.
“He came right in right to the standard of work,” Barry said. “I keep pushing him more and more every day to grind and he’s doing that.”
Barry’s approach is anything but gentle. Known for his high-intensity coaching style, Barry has been demanding in his expectations. However, Savaiinaea hasn’t flinched. The rookie has taken every coaching point, every tough rep, and every correction with maturity beyond his years.
“You’re kind of hearing that word a lot, but that’s what matters right now,” Barry added. “Our standard of work has to be there and the guys are doing it and they’re responding and exceeding. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about them being the best version of themselves.”
That attitude has impressed not just the coaching staff but also veterans along the offensive line. They see in Savaiinaea a player capable of contributing immediately.
A Critical Role on the Horizon
The timing of Savaiinaea’s emergence could not be more critical. Sure, he remains unsigned as of early June. Still, his participation in voluntary OTAs signals a commitment to earning his place.
The Dolphins have emphasized that there is no rush to settle on starting roles just yet. Make no mistake, though, Savaiinaea is squarely in the mix. If Daniels isn’t ready by the start of camp, or if his mobility is limited, Savaiinaea may find himself running with the first-team offense deep into preseason.
Even if Daniels returns on schedule, having a highly capable rookie like Savaiinaea offers valuable insurance. This is especially true for a team that desperately needs stability up front. Miami’s 2024 offensive line struggled to protect Tua Tagovailoa consistently. Any improvement in that area could help unlock the Dolphins’ explosive offense.
The Dolphins’ Gamble May Pay Off
The Dolphins took a calculated risk moving up to select Savaiinaea in the second round, knowing full well that immediate contribution from rookie offensive linemen isn’t guaranteed. But early signs suggest that gamble could pay dividends sooner than anyone expected.
As OTA sessions continue, all eyes will remain on Savaiinaea’s development. His combination of power, quick feet, positional versatility, and coachability is quickly turning him from an intriguing prospect into a vital piece of Miami’s 2025 puzzle.
While plenty of questions still hover over Miami’s roster — from health concerns to defensive depth — Jonah Savaiinaea’s rise may quietly be one of the most encouraging storylines this franchise has seen all offseason. If his current trajectory holds, the Dolphins may have landed not just a future starter, but a foundational piece for years to come.
