The Miami Dolphins entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear objective: to find a long-term solution on the offensive line. When they selected Jonah Savaiinaea out of Arizona in the second round, the hope was that he could develop into a versatile, plug-and-play blocker capable of protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for one of the league's most dynamic running back rooms.
A year later, the returns have been mixed--and the organization has acknowledged as much. According to Dolphins Wire's Mike Masala, Miami's new coaching staff has crafted a deliberate development blueprint for Savaiinaea after a rookie season that fell short of expectations. The plan involves adjusting his role within the offense as the team transitions under the leadership of head coach Jeff Hafley and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
This is not a panic move. It's a recalibration.
What Went Wrong in Year One
Savaiinaea entered the league with a reputation for positional flexibility--he played both tackle and guard at Arizona--and the Dolphins drafted him with the idea that he could serve as an interior swing player before settling into a permanent home. The reality of NFL competition, however, proved more difficult than the scouting reports suggested.
The rookie faced the typical challenges confronting young offensive linemen: handling NFL-level power, recognizing complex stunts and blitzes, and maintaining technique throughout a 17-game grind. Several evaluations from the 2025 season indicated that Savaiinaea struggled most in pass protection when tasked with handling speed-to-power rushers on the interior. His anchor was inconsistent, and his hand placement often lagged behind his footwork.
Those issues showed up on tape. By midseason, the previous coaching staff began rotating other options--including Josh Priebe and DJ Campbell--in the spots where Savaiinaea was expected to secure a starting role. By December, he was relegated to a depth piece rather than a foundational building block.
That is not to say the season was a total loss. Savaiinaea showed flashes in the run game, particularly on pulls and combo blocks. His strength at the point of attack was evident when he could engage defenders early. The inconsistency was frustrating, but the physical tools that made him a second-round pick remain intact.
A New Staff, A New Direction
The arrival of Jeff Hafley as head coach and the subsequent hiring of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik changes the equation for every player on the roster, carrying particular weight for a young lineman who needs to rebuild his developmental track.
Slowik's scheme--rooted in the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree--emphasizes zone-blocking concepts, play-action fakes, and quarterback movement. For an offensive lineman, that means a heavier focus on lateral athleticism, combo blocks, and climbing to the second level. Historically, this system can mask some pass-protection weaknesses by relying on the quarterback moving out of a traditional pocket.
This is relevant for Savaiinaea because the scheme may play to his strengths. His movement skills were always considered his best attribute coming out of college. The zone-heavy approach could simplify his assignments and allow him to play faster--less thinking and more reacting.
According to the report, the team's plan involves an adjusted practice regimen and positional focus during offseason work. While the Dolphins are not announcing a permanent position switch, the expectation is that he will primarily compete at guard moving forward rather than cross-training across the line. That decision alone is significant. Locking in at one spot allows a player to refine technique without the mental load of preparing for multiple positions each week.
Where He Fits on the Current Roster
Looking at the offensive line room as it stands, the Dolphins have options but also clear holes. The tackle spots are held by Austin Jackson and Patrick Paul, with Braeden Daniels and Kadyn Proctor providing depth. At center, Aaron Brewer returns as the starter, backed up by Andrew Meyer and Jim Bonifas.
The guard positions are where things get interesting. Josh Priebe, Jamaree Salyer, and Kion Smith all bring NFL experience. DJ Campbell is also in the mix. None have firmly established themselves as unquestioned starters. The door is wide open for Savaiinaea to seize a role if he can deliver consistent reps.
The reported plan suggests the Dolphins want to integrate Savaiinaea more deliberately into the line's second unit during training camp, with the goal of working him into a starting rotation by midseason rather than forcing him into a week one starting spot he may not be ready for. It's a patient approach--mirroring how many successful offensive lines develop their younger players: let them learn, compete, and grow without undue pressure.
Why Patience Makes Sense
There is a temptation in NFL circles to label a player a "bust" after one underwhelming season, especially when a team changes coaching staffs before his second year. But the reality is that offensive linemen--even first-round picks--often take two or three seasons to hit their stride. The jump from college to the pros is uniquely challenging for interior linemen because of the speed of defensive tackles and the complexity of modern blitz packages.
Savaiinaea is only 22 years old. He has 17 games of NFL experience under his belt. The raw tools--size, strength, foot quickness--are still there. What he needs is the right coaching, the right system, and the opportunity to fail forward without the pressure of being the guy before he's ready.
With Slowik's scheme, a patient coaching staff, and a clear positional focus, the Dolphins are giving him exactly that.
The team is not giving up on Savaiinaea. Far from it. They are doing what good organizations do: identify the problem, adjust the plan, and trust the process. Whether it pays off will be one of the more intriguing storylines this offseason as Miami's offensive line takes shape under this new regime.