Arizona offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea did not have to wait long on the second day of the NFL Draft to hear his name called. The Miami Dolphins traded up to from the 48th to the 37th-overall pick with the Las Vegas Raiders and drafted Jonah Savaiinaea to ensure they have another piece they can use to protect franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Big Jonah missed just one game during his three year career in Tucson, and started in all 36 games he appeared in. During the 2024 campaign, he led the Wildcats with an offensive grade of 75.9 from Pro Football Focus (PFF). In 738 snaps, Savaiinaea allowed just four sacks, two quarterback hits, and 10 hurries. He was fourth on the team with a pass-blocking grade of 82.7 and second in run-blocking with a 64.2 grade. He earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, as well as All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention honors in 2022 and 2023.
It marks the first time Arizona has had offensive linemen drafted in back-to-back drafts since Makoa Freitas was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2006 and Kili Lefotou was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 2007. Jordan Morgan was the 25th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He also joins wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, taken 8th overall by the Carolina Panthers in the first round on Thursday.
With Jonah Savaiinaea drafted by the Miami Dolphins, former Wildcat kicker Tyler Loop, who holds the Arizona program record for the longest field goal and all-time field goal percentage, and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, are still waiting to hear their names called.