ClutchPoints
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.
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.
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.
What’s been most impressive about Savaiinaea isn’t just...
