Dolphins' Jonah Savaiinaea Praised by Coaches Early
The Miami Dolphins are ramping up their 2025 season with organized team activities (OTAs) wrapping up and mandatory minicamp beginning this week.
Advertisement
One rookie is stealing the spotlight and offensive line coach Butch Barry has taken notice.
Miami traded up in the second round of this year's draft to pick offensive guard Jonah Savaiinaea. He was one of several additions to help bolster the team's play along the line of scrimmage.
According to Enzo Flojo at Yahoo Sports, early returns from OTAs suggest that move might be paying dividends.
Barry emphasized Savaiinaea's rare combination of size and athleticism.
'You see he's a big‑body guy that's really explosive, that can run... heavy‑handed... can anchor the pocket, but explosiveness in the run game.' Barry said.
Arizona offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea (OL36) runs in the 40-yard dash during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Flojo also says the versatility mentioned above is a big reason Savaiinaea has stood out during reps at both left and right guard.
Advertisement
The young lineman has been taking the challenge head-on.
'Our standard of work has to be there and the guys are doing it and they're responding and exceeding. Because at the end of the day, it's all about them being the best version of themselves.'
With Daniels still rehabbing, Savaiinaea's versatility and toughness fill a key hole up front. Potentially as a starter, or as a high-quality backup.
His performance during OTAs signals a shift toward Miami's youth movement, and with a franchise focused on youth and building depth, Savaiinaea is exactly the kind of player that could have a key role in their offensive line going forward.
Related: Dolphins Second-Rounder Remains Unsigned Amid Rookie Contract Trend
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins Player Airlifted To Hospital After Training Camp Injury
Miami Dolphins Player Airlifted To Hospital After Training Camp Injury originally appeared on The Spun. The Miami Dolphins ended their first practice of training camp on a scary note this Wednesday. According to multiple reports, Dolphins offensive lineman Bayron Matos was airlifted to a medical center this Wednesday for further evaluation. He's in stable condition, albeit the severity of his injury hasn't been revealed yet. "Dolphins OL Bayron Matos was injured at practice and taken to a hospital by helicopter. The injury occurred at the end of practice. The team says he's in stable condition. Unclear right now what the injury is," Mike Cugno of CBS said. Matos, 24, joined the Dolphins in 2024 as an undrafted free agent. He played college basketball at New Mexico before transferring over to South Florida. In 2022, he decided to join the school's football team as a walk-on. The offensive tackle from the Dominican Republic was part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program. He impressed scouts by running a 4.88 in the 40-yard dash and measuring in at 6-foot-7 at his pro day. It's unclear if Matos will miss all of training camp due to his injury. In the meantime, NFL fans will be keeping him in their prayers. While this injury is certainly a tough blow to Matos, all that matters is that he makes a full recovery. The Dolphins should provide an update on Matos within the next 24 Dolphins Player Airlifted To Hospital After Training Camp Injury first appeared on The Spun on Jul 23, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Prayers Pouring In For Dolphins Player Airlifted At Training Camp
Prayers Pouring In For Dolphins Player Airlifted At Training Camp originally appeared on The Spun. A member of the Miami Dolphins had to be airlifted to a local medical center after sustaining a pretty serious injury in training camp. According to reports, Dolphins rookie offensive lineman Bayron Matos suffered a medical emergency and had to be transported to the hospital via helicopter. It's not clear what ailment or injury he sustained during the practice. The Dolphins have stated that he is in "stable condition" and is currently undergoing further evaluation. Prayers and well-wishes have been pouring in for Matos ever since the news dropped: "Prayers up for the boy," one user wrote. "Hope he's okay! Prayers to him," wrote another. "On the first day of camp too, hope he's okay," a third wrote. "Glad he's stable. I hope it's nothing too serious." "Awful! Hope he is okay, and makes a full recovery." "Never want to see something like this happen to anyone. Hope he's okay." "Fortunately, he's in stable condition. Wishing him strength and a smooth recovery ahead." Born in the Dominican Republic, Matos played basketball and baseball at an early age. He moved to the United States to play high school basketball and earned multiple college scholarships, ultimately joining the New Mexico Lobos. He transferred to South Florida in 2021 and learned to play football, joining as a walk-on and initially playing for the USF Bulls as a special teams player and defensive lineman before moving to offensive tackle in 2022. Matos entered the NFL in 2024 as part of the NFL International Player Pathway program. He went undrafted and joined the Dolphins, signing a reserve/future deal after the 2024 season. Our hearts go out to Matos as he begins his Pouring In For Dolphins Player Airlifted At Training Camp first appeared on The Spun on Jul 23, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins Player Remains Hospitalized Thursday Morning
Miami Dolphins Player Remains Hospitalized Thursday Morning originally appeared on The Spun. It's becoming more and more clear that Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Bayron Matos suffered no common injury prior to being taken to the hospital. Speaking to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Matos' agent Perlesta Hollingsworth revealed that Matos is still in the hospital as of Thursday morning. Hollingsworth explained that he is still undergoing tests to determine the full extent of his injury. The injury Matos suffered was reportedly an "above the shoulder" injury, but it's not clear if it occurred to his neck, his spine or somewhere else. Hollingsworth noted that Matos has been having difficulties moving his right leg. The injury reportedly occurred when Matos collided with a teammate during practice in training camp. After being examined on the field, he was airlifted to a local hospital. A few minutes ago, the Dolphins released an update of their own: "Bayron Matos sustained an injury at the end of Wednesday's practice and was transported to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he remained overnight for evaluation and testing. He has movement in all extremities and is in stable condition. He will remain in the care of doctors for continued observation," the team said in a statement on X. Born in the Dominican Republic, Matos played basketball and baseball at an early age. He moved to the United States to play high school basketball and earned multiple college scholarships, ultimately joining the New Mexico Lobos. He transferred to South Florida in 2021 and learned to play football, joining as a walk-on and initially playing for the USF Bulls as a special teams player and defensive lineman before moving to offensive tackle in 2022. Matos entered the NFL in 2024 as part of the NFL International Player Pathway program. He went undrafted and joined the Dolphins, signing a reserve/future deal after the 2024 season. Our hearts go out to Matos as he begins his Dolphins Player Remains Hospitalized Thursday Morning first appeared on The Spun on Jul 24, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
