The Miami Dolphins have traded up in the second round for Arizona guard Jonah Savaiinaea
The Miami Dolphins offensive line has faced persistent challenges on the offensive line. There has been a hole at left guard for multiple seasons. And after Robert Hunt left in 2024, the team relied on a patchwork group of veterans to fill both guard spots.
Miami Fills Both Guard Spots.
One of only two, multi-year free agent acquisitions by the Dolphins this offseason is guard James Daniels. Daniels should take over the starting spot next to left tackle Patrick Paul. This gives a veteran presence after taking over for recently retired, and future Hall of Famer, Terron Armstead.
On Friday night, during the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, The Miami Dolphins made the decision to trade up and take their second beefy, athletic lineman. This time on the offensive side of the ball. With the 37th overall pick the Miami Dolphins selected Arizona guard Jonah Savaiinaea. The 6’4”, 324-pound guard brings a phenomenal combination of power and versatility. With a college career marked by durability and excellence, Savaiinaea is poised to address Miami’s longstanding issues at guard.
Guard Jonah Savaiinaea College Career
Jonah Savaiinaea was a three-star recruit, out of Saint Louis School, the same school as Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Savaiinaea arrived at the University of Arizona in 2022 with modest expectations. However, he quickly became a cornerstone of the Wildcats’ offensive line. As a true freshman, Savaiinaea started all 12 games at right guard, logging 791 snaps and allowing just two sacks. His performance earned him FWAA Freshman All-American honors and an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention, signaling early on a potential as a future NFL talent.
In 2023, Savaiinaea transitioned to right tackle, starting all 13 games. He was a key piece, anchoring Arizona’s line which powered the nation’s eighth-ranked passing attack. His durability and adaptability shone through in 2023, as he allowed only two sacks and earned another All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention.
Savaiinaea’s final season in 2024 saw him split time between left and right tackle, starting 11 games. Despite Arizona’s struggles, he was impressive as a pass blocker allowing just four sacks. His versatility was highlighted by his ability to shift positions midseason, while earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mentions. Over three seasons, Savaiinaea started all 36 games he played. He amassed over 2,400 snaps and allowed just eight sacks in 1,544 pass-blocking snaps.
At the 2025 NFL Combine, Savaiinaea boosted his draft stock with a 4.95-second 40-yard dash. As well as a 1.72-second 10-yard split, showcasing elite athleticism for his size.
A Natural Fit For Miami’s Offense
Mike McDaniel’s offensive scheme emphasizes a blend of outside zone runs, quick passing, and play-action to maximize the speed of playmakers like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane. While McDaniel’s scheme is centered around speed and more speed at the skill positions, it requires robust offensive linemen capable of creating running lanes and protecting Tagovailoa. Savaiinaea’s skill set aligns perfectly with these demands, particularly at right guard, where he is projected to start immediately.
Much like Miami’s first round pick, DT Kenneth Grant, guard Jonah Savaiinaea is an absolute mauler in the middle. He has a wide-bodied frame, powerful anchor, and the ability to displace defenders at the point of attack. His leg drive and functional strength create easy running lanes, addressing Miami’s weakness in short-yardage situations and adding physicality to the ground game. In the passing game, Savaiinaea’s quick feet, high football IQ, and effective techniques allow him to neutralize defensive tackles and handle stunts and blitzes. His phyiscal and aggresive play style will help set the tone for Miami up front.
Immediate Impact In The Trenches
The selections of Kenneth Grant and Jonah Savaiinaea’s marks a pivotal step for the Miami Dolphins addressing their longstanding needs for stability and physicality in their interior trench play. Savaiinaea’s durability, physicality, and elite pass-blocking, makes him an immediate impact starter. In Mike McDaniel’s scheme, Savaiinaea’s power, agility, and football IQ position him as a plug-and-play right guard who can enhance the rushing attack and protect Tua Tagovailoa. As the Dolphins aim to contend in 2025, Savaiinaea’s arrival signals a commitment to building a robust front, setting the stage for a more balanced and explosive offense.