One of Dolphins’ biggest offseason investments is battling growing pains — and Miami isn’t helping as expected
One of Miami’s biggest investments this offseason faced a big transition ahead of the season. It’s been a challenge so far but Miami isn’t helping him out.
The Miami Dolphins made a major statement this spring when they paired the 98th overall pick and the 47th overall pick to trade up in the draft for offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea. The Arizona lineman was a primary target for the Dolphins — so much so that they were willing to concede that late third-round pick to go and get him. Given the needs that the Dolphins had (and have) on the roster, it was considered a bold move.
Savaiinaea is starting — so on that front, Miami is getting valuable reps for a player who can hopefully establish himself as a long-term starter for an offensive line unit that has been shaky in Miami for much of the last decade.
But as one recent chart published highlights, playing and performing are two separate measures of “return on investment”.
Dolphins rookie Jonah Savaiinaea struggling in pass protection early for the Dolphins
The pressure chart, courtesy of Football Insights (@fball_insights), highlights responsibility for at least partial pressure on pass attempts for all 32 offensive lines and the positions in question. Miami’s breakdown:
– Left tackle (Patrick Paul): 17.6%
– Left Guard (Jonah Savaiinaea): 29.4%
– Center (Aaron Brewer): 11.8%
– Right Guard (Kion Smith): 17.6%
– Right Tackle (Austin Jackson/Larry Borom): 23.5%
– Quarterback error: 11.8%
Only three left guard positions across the NFL are responsible for a higher percentage of their offense’s quarterback pressures through the first two weeks: Kansas City, Jacksonville, and Las Vegas. It underscores Savaiinaea’s transition to left guard — one that Miami has been committed to in full force since the offseason program started. He’s played on the left side of the center before and he’s also played guard versus tackle in college. But Savaiinaea had never played left guard before now. His growth will be an essential subplot to Miami’s 2025 campaign, regardless of how Miami’s season goes in the win column.
There are good developments on this chart as well. Patrick Paul ranks 9th highest among left tackles in pressure responsibility. The standard Aaron Brewer set last year suggests he’ll be a more consistent player, as well — although playing between Kion Smith and Savaiinaea likely makes his job that much more challenging. James Daniels will be halfway through his minimum IR stint after tonight’s game against Buffalo, although a return after Week 5 is not guaranteed after he left the Dolphins’ Week 1 contest on the first possession with a pec injury.
The Dolphins put additional pressure on their backs and tight ends to protect as well, which makes this measure of pass protection success an inexact science. But what we do know is that the Dolphins have a lot invested in Savaiinaea and that he’s got a lot of refinement needed to be a sturdy pass protector. But we also know that he’s best as a run blocker — and the Dolphins simply aren’t running as much as they could or should because they’re falling behind on the scoreboard. The play action rate is down, the run calls are down, and as a result, Savaiinaea is put into an environment that really doesn’t feel like it’s tailored to accommodate his transition and growing pains. The numbers reflect such, too.
He’ll get his next chance to make an incremental leap on Thursday Night Football against the Bills.
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