SerpApi.Org
As many know, the Miami Dolphins are in a period of transition under the new leadership of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley.
Several high-priced veterans have departed, and the Dolphins will field one of the youngest teams in the league this season.
Many have low expectations for the Dolphins entering training camp. However, ESPN ranked the NFL's under-25 talent, and the Dolphins checked in at No. 12. That is a significant improvement from last year, when Miami ranked next to last.
"As you would expect from a team that is rebuilding, the Dolphins have a ton of young talent, but few top players,” ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz wrote. “After all, they had 13 draft picks this year, but only three came in the top two rounds. Kadyn Proctor, who will start at left guard before moving to tackle, is 21. Cornerback Chris Johnson is also 21, while linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is 23.
"Also along the offensive line, left tackle Patrick Paul is 24. Savaiinaea, who will play right guard, is 22. Running back De'Von Achane has impressed to start his NFL career and doesn't turn 25 until October. Rookie wide receivers Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell are each 22. The defensive line features 22-year-olds Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips."
Savaiinaea's blue-chip label defies his grades
What is more interesting is that Schatz labeled guard Jonah Savaiinaea as the Dolphins' only "blue-chip" player under 25. Miami has talented young players such as Grant, Paul, and De'Von Achane, all of whom are under 25. Yet Schatz selected a player who struggled mightily last season.
In 982 snaps at left guard for the Dolphins in 2025, Savaiinaea allowed eight sacks and committed five penalties. He earned a 28.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranked dead last among qualifying guards.
Position switch could salvage Savaiinaea's season
Savaiinaea will move to right guard this season after the Dolphins drafted Proctor with the 12th overall pick in April. He could have more success there, as right guard is his natural position, the one he played at Arizona.
The AFC East rival New England Patriots ranked No. 1 in Schatz's rankings with three "blue-chip" players under 25: Will Campbell, Christian Gonzalez and Drake Maye.
