Latest news with #JonahSavaiinaea
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Cowboys 1st-round replacement for Hall of Famer snubbed in All-Rookie Team projections
Cowboys 1st-round replacement for Hall of Famer snubbed in All-Rookie Team projections Despite being the top guard selected, Booker was overlooked while 3 other interior players made the cut. The Dallas Cowboys had what, in currently available context, many would consider a successful 2025 draft. Draft analysts near and far lauded their nine-player haul from late April, as they eschewed glaring needs and instead did what annually-competitive organizations do and drafted the best talent available, regardless of whether or not it met their most pressing needs. That all started with their first-round selection. After future Hall of Famer Zack Martin retired this offseason, the club spent a large chunk of their free-agency efforts in an effort to shore up the right guard position, beginning with re-signing RFA Brock Hoffmann who acquitted himself well in several games of relief for an injured Martin in 2024. They also went out and signed Robert Jones, a 16-game starter for the Miami Dolphins, as well as Saahdiq Charles and Hakeem Adeniji. But they were all put on backup status when the club used the No. 12 overall pick to select Tyler Booker out of Alabama. But despite being the first guard taken in the draft, Booker was not among the three guards projected to be on the All-Rookie Team by Draft Wire. Instead, somewhat surprise first-round selection Grey Zabel, along with Donovan Jackson, were the two guards projected to make the end-of-year team. To make matters worse, without a projected starting center from this year's class, a third guard was selected for the team as an "interior offensive lineman". That guy also wasn't Booker, but instead the honor went to second-round pick Jonah Savaiinaea. Zabel, taken by Seattle at No. 18, and Jackson, selected by Minnesota at No. 24, are going to teams projected to finish better than the Cowboys in 2025. However Savaiinaea went to the Miami Dolphins, who finished below the Cowboys in ESPN's recently released FPI ratings. Here's what Draft Wire thought of the prospects taken after Booker. Offensive guard - Donovan Jackson, Minnesota Vikings Getting Jackson at No. 24 was a huge bargain for the Vikings. He's such a powerful, athletic interior offensive lineman and plays with such a head about himself for the game, he just can't fail. Offensive guard - Grey Zabel, Seattle Seahawks There are so many good guards in this draft, it was tough making this second pick but we love the fit of Zabel at left guard with the Seahawks scheme. He's going to be the guy Kenneth Walker wants to run behind. IOL - Jonah Savaiinaea, Miami Dolphins We don't have any rookie centers projected to start right now so instead we opt for Jonah Savaiinaea who is already the best interior offensive lineman on the Dolphins. Booker isn't currently the best interior offensive lineman for the Cowboys, that honor goes to All-Pro Tyler Smith. He is, however, going to start for a team that made a concerted effort to maximize their offensive line, with new OC Klayton Adams a former line coach, and the addition of Kansas State OL guru Connor Riley to coach up that unit in Dallas. Time will tell whether or not Draft Wire got it wrong, or whether the Cowboys' front office did, as they've identified Booker's premiere leadership qualities as the mitigating factor to why he was picked over other interior options.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Everything Jonah Savaiinaea said after Miami Dolphins picked him in NFL draft
MIAMI GARDENS ― The Miami Dolphins traded up in the second round of the NFL Draft to select guard Jonah Savaiinaea of Arizona. Savaiinaea is 6-foot-4, 324 pounds, and should immediately start at left guard for the Dolphins. Advertisement Here are some things Savaiinaea said when meeting with reporters: I did not expect the Dolphins to trade up. But one of my agents said don't expect to wait too long. Jonah Savaiinaea and Tua Tagovailoa: Same high school I went to the same high school as Tua Tagovailoa. Brotherhood. I have met Tua at the Polynesian Bowl. I am excited to block for Tua in the future. I've only blocked for Polynesian quarterbacks in my career. God wants me to block for my people. I am firm and light on my feet. I can recover if I over-set in pass pro. Dolphins offensive line coach Butch Barry and I sat down and spoke about how they sell outside zone even if they don't do it. I like to get off the ball. INSTANT GRADE: Why Jonah Savaiinaea pick in second round gets a C-plus I feel comfortable inside and I like to get my hands on people. I want to tighten up my stance and give myself some space. Jonah Savaiinaea: I hope people will say Miami made the right pick Years from now, I hope people will say that Miami made the right pick in trading up for me. God-willing we're going to go to a Super Bowl. I have a childhood friend who plays for the 'Canes. I did have a formal interview with Mike McDaniel at the combine and he is a funny dude. He's super-funny and not afraid to be himself. He was chill. He said, 'If I punched you right now, would you punch me back?' Brandon Scherff, Quenton Nelson and David DeCastro are three guys I have watched film on. Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@ and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Jonah Savaiinaea after Dolphins pick: I am firm and light on my feet.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins' Jonah Savaiinaea honored to wear Terron Armstead's 72
MIAMI GARDENS ― Miami Dolphins rookie Jonah Savaiinaea will wear No. 72, last worn by future Hall of Famer Terron Armstead. "Just being able to wear that and knowing that a legend wore it before me, that's something I'm not gonna take it lightly," Savaiinaea said Friday, the first day of Dolphins rookie minicamp. "So I've got big shoes to fill." Advertisement Savaiinaea was reminded 1972 is the year of Miami's perfect season. "All right, there we go," Savaiinaea said. Savaiinaea was the only one of the eight Dolphins rookies not to sign their initial contract before camp. But that's not a big deal. There are no longer rookie holdouts in the NFL. Soon enough, Savaiinaea, who attended the University of Arizona, will sign a contract for a slotted number collectively bargained by the league and union. Unsigned rookies can still participate in camp. "This is like a dream come true, you know, just being in a league, just knowing that, you know, this is a job now for you, you know, it's not like a regular practice, you know, you're here to take someone's job," Savaiinaea said. Advertisement Savaiinaea, 6-foot-5, 336 pounds, appeared more trim than expected. Miami Dolphins' Jonah Savaiinaea appears svelte That should be a bonus in an offense that leans on footwork and mobility. Savaiinaea was impressed by the Dolphins' top-notch facilities. He noted the team meeting rooms, the players' lounge, the locker room, the training room and even... the bathrooms. "Really nice," he said. Miami Dolphins rookie Jonah Savaiinaea made his minicamp practice debut on Friday, May 9. One thing Savaiinaea hasn't even thought about is where he might live. At the beach? Near the beach? Inland? "As of right now, that's not really my focus right now," he said. "I'm at the hotel, and I'm really focusing on working. Again, I'm a rookie. I'm still trying to prove myself and just getting to know the playbook." Miami Dolphins rookie minicamp: Jonah Savaiinaea unsigned Savaiinaea knows why he's here. He knows why the Dolphins traded up in the second round to secure him. Advertisement "We wanna run the damn ball," he said. "We know that they know we're running the ball. So we're just gonna line up and then we're gonna push that, create that new line of scrimmage. And we're just gonna move it. Move people." Rookie minicamp typically last three days. What is Savaiinaea's goal? "I haven't done anything yet," Savaiinaea said. "So obviously I'm trying to like prove myself to the vets that they can count on me. First earning their trust because they don't care if you're drafted or undrafted or you just got signed. They want to see you putting in that winning mentality. Here, we want guys that that want to win. So just being able to be a sponge." Advertisement Jalen Ramsey trade: Miami Dolphins' Zach Sieler reveals feelings Miami Dolphins schedule 2025: Predictions, picks ahead of NFL schedule release Miami Dolphins 2025 schedule release: Everything to know Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@ and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins' Jonah Savaiinaea unsigned, but nobody's worried
Fox News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Which rookie from each NFL team will make the biggest impact in 2025?
More than ever, players are expected to play important roles immediately upon entering the league. That will be the case for first-round and even later-round picks across all 32 teams. There will be some players needed more than others due to team needs and roster makeup, though. So, in an effort to identify those players, we've examined each team's full draft class and the respective rosters they're joining to spotlight the rookie we believe will make the biggest impact on each club in 2025. *Each player's drafted slot (round, overall selection) is in parentheses. AFC East Buffalo Bills: CB Maxwell Hairston (first, No. 30) Hairston was a guy the league was much higher on than the media was throughout the pre-draft process, and it showed with the Bills taking him in the first round. He instantly makes the Bills defense better and should slot right in opposite Christian Benford. Miami Dolphins: OG Jonah Savaiinaea (second, No. 37) I've been begging the Dolphins to bolster their offensive line for what feels like years (because it has been) and they finally acquiesced in the second round. They'll need Savaiinaea to slot in at right guard immediately. The good news is, he'll be playing next to former first-round pick Austin Jackson. (second, No. 30) New England Patriots: OT Will Campbell (first, No. 4) If there was any doubt Campbell was a Mike Vrabel kind of guy, he put it to rest when he said he would fight and die to protect his new quarterback, Drake Maye, as he fought back tears in his post-draft interview. That's exactly the kind of tone-setting attitude you want for this Patriots offensive line, and Maye should breathe a little easier with Campbell now in front of him. New York Jets: OT Armand Membou (first, No. 7) Membou was my favorite offensive lineman in the draft and his addition to this Jets unit instantly makes them one of the best in the conference. That's good news for quarterback Justin Fields, who hasn't ever really had any peace of mind about his guys up front. That changes now. AFC North Baltimore Ravens: RT Emery Jones Jr. (three, No. 91) Obviously, first-round pick Malaki Starks is going to grab the headlines — and he will be a tremendously impactful player next to Kyle Hamilton. However. Ronnie Stanley played a full season for the first time in his career last year. It's a likelihood that he misses at least some time, and the Ravens' backup plan isn't great. That's where Jones comes in as the swing tackle. Ensuring the drop-off between your starting left tackle and backup isn't steep is going to make a huge difference for Lamar Jackson and this Ravens run game. Cincinnati Bengals: Edge Shemar Stewart (one, No. 17) There's still a chance the Bengals lose Trey Hendrickson. Even if they don't, the tandem of him and Stewart should mean a significant upgrade for Cincinnati's defense, which is so desperately needed. Cleveland Browns: RB Quinshon Judkins (two, No. 36) With all the quarterback chaos going on in Cleveland, the Browns are going to need a solid run game. The expectation is that they're not going to re-sign Nick Chubb, so that puts the onus on Jerome Ford and Judkins to produce for this offense. Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Derrick Harmon (one, No. 21) Derrick Harmon was one of my favorite players in this draft class. He was going to be an instant upgrade to whichever team he ended up with, but Pittsburgh getting him almost seems unfair. You don't keep a strength a strength unless you constantly feed it, and that's what the Steelers did with their defensive interior rotation. AFC South Houston Texans: OT Aireontae Ersery (two, No. 48 overall) Clearly, C.J. Stroud needed more from his offensive line last year. Waiting until the second round to do it was a risk by the Texans, but they got a raw player who could develop into a long-term starter in Ersery. Indianapolis Colts: Edge JT Tuimoloau (two, No. 45 overall) The Colts lost Dayo Odeyingbo to free agency, so they needed to bolster their pass rush. They're going to need Tuimoloau to step up immediately. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB/WR Travis Hunter (one, No. 2 overall) Another "duh." The only question is which side of the ball Hunter is going to have the biggest impact on. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward (one, No. 1 overall) In a scarce quarterback class, the Titans got the one guy with the fewest question marks. Ward has answered most of his concerns with his play, getting better every season and every week. It's not often you go from Incarnate Word to the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, but the fact that Ward managed it should make Tennessee really excited that it got its guy of the future. AFC West Denver Broncos: RB RJ Harvey (two, No. 60 overall) Not only will Bo Nix be able to benefit from a bolstered run game, but the hope is that Harvey gives him a quick option to get the ball out underneath in the receiving game. I have to imagine Sean Payton will figure out how to use Harvey in multiple ways and for him to become a significant part of this offense in Denver. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Josh Simmons (one, No. 32 overall) Whenever Simmons returns from injury, he should immediately be in that left tackle spot. Had he not suffered the patellar injury, he would have been a top-15 pick. Now, that's a hard injury to come back from, but the Chiefs are going to give him every opportunity to do so and if he can return to form, somehow Kansas City could have secured the steal of the draft. Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty (one, No. 6 overall) An offense that includes Brock Bowers and now Ashton Jeanty is going to be so fun. The Raiders also have a veteran at quarterback who is fully capable of distributing the ball and extending plays. I'm so excited to see how Jeanty is used. Los Angeles Chargers: RB Omarion Hampton (one, No. 22 overall) A running back? Selected by Jim Harbaugh? Huh. Weird. Except not at all. The Chargers let both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards walk in free agency in an effort to completely remake their offensive backfield. I'm excited to see Hampton thrive in this offense under Harbaugh. NFC East Dallas Cowboys: Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku (two, No. 44 overall) I love this pickup for the Cowboys, getting an edge rusher to line opposite Micah Parsons. The tandem is going to elevate this defense. That being said, I would have put a wide receiver in this slot no matter what round he was taken in, except the Cowboys unfathomably didn't draft one. New York Giants: Edge Abdul Carter (one, No. 3 overall) Carter was arguably the best player in the draft. Duh. Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Jihaad Campbell (one, No. 31 overall) How does general manager Howie Roseman keep getting away with this? Somehow, someway, the Eagles always manage to get a guy that makes you go, "Seriously!?" That's the impact Campbell's going to have right away. Washington Commanders: T Josh Conerly Jr. (one, No. 29 overall) Fortifying this offensive line in front of Jayden Daniels is going to pay dividends this year. Conerly lasting that long in the first round was a steal. NFC North Chicago Bears: TE Colston Loveland (one, No. 10 overall) The Lions ran 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) at the third-highest clip in the league last year. With Ben Johnson in Chicago now, you can bet that Loveland will see the field a lot as the new head coach remakes this offense in his way. Detroit Lions: DT Tyleik Williams (one, No. 28 overall) I know fans in Detroit were clamoring for a true threat pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, especially with him coming off an injury, but beefing up the interior rotation will help Hutchinson, too. Minnesota Vikings: OL Donovan Jackson (one, No. 24 overall) No single unit is going to be as underrated as Minnesota's new offensive line. Between free agency and the drafting of Jackson, though, this is a solid unit to help usher in J.J. McCarthy as the Vikings' quarterback of the future. Green Bay Packers: T Anthony Belton (two, No. 54 overall) I hardly think it's a coincidence that every single team in the NFC North addressed their offensive lines in some way, shape or form this offseason. This division is going to be a bloodbath. NFC South Atlanta Falcons: S Xavier Watts (third, No. 96 overall) I think this could end up being a steal for the Falcons, which is why I put Watts ahead of both the pass rushers the Falcons took. They sure love doubling up on needs, but Watts can be such a great addition to help direct traffic in the defensive backfield. Carolina Panthers: WR Tetairoa McMillan (first, No. 8 overall) I have to imagine quarterback Bryce Young is excited about this one. He needed more weapons and the Panthers invested in one in a big way. Expect McMillian to be heavily involved, obviously. New Orleans Saints: QB Tyler Shough (two, No. 40 overall) If Derek Carr isn't healthy and Spencer Rattler struggles, guess whose turn it is? There is a world where Shough starts games for New Orleans, so it's hard to think anyone would have a bigger impact than their potential starting quarterback. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Benjamin Morrison (two, No. 53 overall) The Bucs have had needs in the secondary for years now, so addressing the cornerback position has to mean a sigh of relief for Todd Bowles and this defense. NFC West Arizona Cardinals: CB Will Johnson (two, No. 47 overall) Provided he's healthy, Johnson will immediately upgrade this defensive backfield in Arizona. They had a lot of work to do defensively and they did it. This all of a sudden looks like a pretty complete team to compete in the NFC West. Los Angeles Rams: Edge Josaiah Stewart (three, No. 90 overall) Speaking of complete teams in the NFC West, the Rams look poised to take it yet again. I love upgrading the pass rush here. Between that and what Los Angeles did in free agency, it looks like they're the team to beat in this division and maybe even the NFC? San Francisco 49ers: Edge Mykel Williams (one, No. 11 overall) The Niners had a mass exodus in their front seven this offseason so they've now worked on getting younger and cheaper. Williams lets them do that and his position flexibility allows San Fran to do some fun things up front. Seattle Seahawks: OL Grey Zabel (one, No. 18 overall) The Seahawks' offensive line needed upgrades badly, which is where Zabel comes in. Yes, he comes from FCS but North Dakota State has produced some excellent players. Zabel should be one of them leading the way to help protect Sam Darnold in Seattle. Carmen Vitali is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. Carmen had previous stops with The Draft Network and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She spent six seasons with the Bucs, including 2020, which added the title of Super Bowl Champion (and boat-parade participant) to her résumé. You can follow Carmen on Twitter at @CarmieV . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins pick Jonah Savaiinaea in 2025 NFL draft: Scouting a Day 1 starter
MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins selected guard Jonah Savaiinaea of Arizona in the second round of the NFL Draft, 37th overall. The Dolphins moved up from 48th overall in a trade with the Raiders. Miami yielded picks 48, 98 and 135 to the Raiders for picks 37 and 143. Advertisement That means that at the moment, Miami is without a third-round pick. Savaiinaea, 6-foot-4, 324 pounds, is an immediate starter at left guard. This moves Liam Eichenberg into a reserve role. INSTANT GRADE: Why Jonah Savaiinaea pick in second round gets a C-plus Jonah Savaiinaea scouting report Dolphins draft picks Kenneth Grant and Jonah Savaiinaea weigh at least 655 combined pounds. Miami is trying to add size, strength and power to a unit that's been called soft. Scouts say Savaiinaea is a massive and durable mauler. Savaiinaea should have a great impact on Miami's run game, which struggled in 2024. Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half of the Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium, Nov. 25, 2023. How Jonah Savaiinaea fits with Dolphins Grier made a bold move to make sure he added a starting guard to help protect Tua Tagovailoa in 2025. Advertisement The Dolphins absolutely needed to draft a starting guard in the first two rounds of this draft. Scouts say Saviinaea has great hands and can pick up blocks in the second level. This was an outstanding pick. Jonah Savaiinaea stats Jonah Savaiinaea has 36 starts on the Arizona offensive line and has been a team captain. Jonah Savaiinaea highlights Here are YouTube highlights of Jonah Savaiinaea. Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@ and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins draft Jonah Savaiinaea with second-round pick: Fit, scouting report
