Is There Room on the Commanders’ Offensive Line for Jonah Savaiinaea?

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/OG
School: Arizona | Conference: Big 12
College Experience: Junior | Draft Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6’4”/ 324 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 2nd round

Player Comparison: Matthew Bergeron

Player Overview

Jonah Savaiinaea was born in American Samoa and grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii. After earning all-state honors as a senior and becoming a three-star recruit, Savaiinaea chose Arizona over Arizona State, Syracuse, and UCF. He picked the Wildcats because he wanted to turn the team into a winner. He got the chance to do that right away. Arizona started him as a true freshman and he remained a starter for all 12 games of the 2022 season. His play at right guard earned him Freshman All-American honors. He moved to right tackle in 2023, playing most of his snaps opposite first-round pick Jordan Morgan. The Wildcats went 10-3, ending the season ranked 11th overall, and Savaiinaea was named All-Pac-12 honorable mention. For his final season, Savaiinaea was named team captain and lined up primarily at right tackle again. HIs play earned him All-Big 12 honorable mention.

Strengths

Excellent physique for the offensive line
Strong punch to slow defenders
Executes snatch and trap techniques very well
Effective down blocker
Awareness to pick up stunts and blitzers
Blows up defenders in space

Weaknesses

Tendency to stop feet on contact with defenders
Hands can land outside the frame of defenders
Needs to improve grip strength to sustain blocks
Anchor in pass protection is inconsistent
Pad level can be too high and cost him leverage

Let’s See His Work

How Will He Fit On The Team

Washington has a solid core of interior offensive linemen in Nick Allegretti, Tyler Biadasz, and a healthy Sam Cosmi. But, with Cosmi recovering from a torn ACL, Biadasz missing time last season to injury, and Nick Allegretti’s up-and-down play, the team could look to the draft for upgrades to the interior.

Jonah Savaiinaea’s future is likely on the interior of an offensive line. He definitely has the size and the temperament for it. His good hand usage and strong punch can help slow pressure up the middle. A move inside would help to mitigate a few of his weaknesses, but to have sustained success, he needs to get stronger to sustain blocks and move people in the run game. He is young, so I think the strength will come in time. The Commanders could draft Savaiinaea to compete to start on the interior now and, if he doesn’t win a starting spot, use the year to get stronger and prepare to step into the role after a season.