What analysts had to say about Arizona guard Jonah Savaiinaea, the Dolphins’ selection with the 37th pick in a trade up with the Las Vegas Raiders:
(The Dolphins got the 37th pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for Miami’s picks at 48 and 98 and a 2025 fourth-rounder.
He started at 12 games at right guard in 2022; started three games at right guard and 10 right tackle in 2023 and started five games at left tackle and six at right tackle last season):
▪ ESPN’s Mel Kiper: “Allowed four sacks in 11 games this past year. Ran 4.95 at the Combine. As a run blocker, he is not going to consistently dominate and drive defenders off the ball. He can get outside, can pull. As a pass blocker, when pads are low and he’s playing with the right technique, I thought the results were pretty impressive.
“I thought the footwork for his size was outstanding. He’s effective on combo blocks. Can be knocked back off balance at times. The versatility to play both tackle and guard adds to his value for Miami. Miami is fortifying that group up front with a guy who can be a guard or tackle. I think guard.”
▪ ESPN’s Louis Riddick: “You look at the Alamo Bowl last year where he played Alabama, he looked like an All Pro. This dude has got flex, he’s got movement. He’s a dancing bear at guard. He has All Pro, Pro Bowl potential at guard. He can get you by at tackle as well. Guard is where this kid will have a nice career.”
▪ ABC’s Nick Saban: “I think this guy’s a really good player, but I think a lot of people liked him as an interior player, playing inside at guard. He struggled in pass pro range wise a few times, but I really like this player. I think that’s a really good fit for Miami.”
▪ ESPN’s Field Yates: “He can play from a lot of different spots. His first year, he was most primarily a right guard. His second year, he was most primarily a right tackle. This past year, he led his total snap number at left tackle. The big Jonas Savaiinaea can play either guard spot, and I think potentially be a swing tackle in a pitch, gotta-have-it situation.
“This guy’s got outstanding feet. The biggest thing that I think will determine how he succeeds at the NFL level is more strain and finish at the point of attack. Play with a bit more nasty and you’ve got a real chance.”
▪ NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah: “Inside, outside versatility. Big powerful man. Tested well. Can move really well. Physical in the run game but you don’t lose all that movement if you get to the perimeter like the Dolphins like to do.”
▪ NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein: “Durable three-year starter who is built like a right guard but has valuable protection experience as a collegiate tackle. Savaiinaea doesn’t have the athleticism to stick at right tackle in the NFL, but can play there in a pinch with some help.
“He’s very wide and can engulf smaller opponents as a base blocker while sealing off double teams and down blocks. His feet often deaden on contact, creating opportunities for defenders to leak through his edges in both the run and pass games. Savaiinaea’s size works to his advantage and he could become a serviceable starting guard in time.”
