Miami Dolphins rookie lineman Jonah Savaiinaea has endured a nightmare start to his NFL career. The team’s second-round pick (No. 37 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft) currently sits dead last among all 685 players who have taken offensive snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
His 26.8 overall grade is the lowest in the league through five weeks, raising questions about Miami’s decision to move him to left guard, a position he never played in college. Despite the struggles, the former Arizona Wildcats standout isn’t making excuses.
“There’s no excuses for what’s been happening on the field,” Savaiinaea said via David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. “I had time over OTAs and training camp to work on it. Those are just things I need to improve on. It’s fixable.”
The Dolphins hope that improvement comes soon, especially with their offensive line battered by injuries.
Savaiinaea’s early struggles test Dolphins’ depth up front
With right guard James Daniels and right tackle Austin Jackson both sidelined on injured reserve, Savaiinaea’s growing pains have come at a tough time for Miami. The offense mustered only 19 rushing yards in last week’s loss to the Carolina Panthers, exposing the line’s instability.
Head coach Mike McDaniel said it will be “several weeks” before Daniels and Jackson return, leaving the rookie and backups to hold things together.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said communication is key as Savaiinaea adjusts.
“You’ve just got to continue to have conversations with him,” Tagovailoa said. “Talk to him about what helps him get better within protection and the run game, what does he feel comfortable with.”
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Before joining the Dolphins, Savaiinaea started 36 games over three seasons at Arizona, logging 2,418 total snaps, 1,057 at right tackle, 985 at right guard, and 345 at left tackle.
He posted a 75.9 blocking grade from PFF in 2024 and allowed just four sacks in 738 snaps, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention.
A standout at the NFL Combine, the 6-foot-5 lineman ran a 4.95-second 40-yard dash, ranking third-fastest among offensive linemen.
Miami will need him to rediscover that form soon, with a Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers’ fierce pass rush looming.