Jonah Savaiinaea, a junior offensive lineman from the University of Arizona, is one of the most intriguing interior offensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 336 pounds, Savaiinaea boasts a massive frame, positional versatility, and a powerful skill set that projects him as a starting-caliber guard in the NFL. Originally from Tafuna, American Samoa, and a product of St. Louis High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, Savaiinaea has been a mainstay on Arizona’s offensive line since his freshman year.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
Collegiate Career
Savaiinaea started all 36 games during his three-year collegiate career, demonstrating remarkable durability and consistency. He began as a right guard in 2022, earning FWAA Freshman All-American honors after allowing just two sacks across 791 snaps without committing a single penalty. Over the next two seasons, he transitioned to right tackle and occasionally played left tackle, showcasing his versatility. His standout performances helped Arizona achieve significant program milestones, including a 10-win season in 2023 and an Alamo Bowl victory.
In his final season (2024), Savaiinaea posted an impressive 82.7 pass-blocking grade while allowing only four sacks over 738 snaps. His ability to adapt to different positions and schemes while maintaining high-level play has made him one of the top interior offensive line prospects in this draft class.
Strengths
- Powerful Frame: Savaiinaea’s wide-bodied build and thick limbs make him an imposing presence on the offensive line. His size is ideal for playing guard at the next level.
- Pass Protection: He demonstrates strong hands, a natural anchor, and sound technique in pass protection. His ability to sustain blocks against bull rushers and execute snatch-trap techniques makes him effective against interior pass rushers.
- Run Blocking: A physical mauler in the trenches, Savaiinaea excels at driving defenders off the ball in downhill run schemes. He shows good displacement ability on vertical releases and down blocks.
- Positional Versatility: While best suited for guard, his experience at tackle provides valuable flexibility for NFL teams.
- Football IQ: Savaiinaea exhibits excellent awareness in both pass protection and run blocking, knowing when to assist teammates or release to the second level.
Weaknesses
- Athletic Limitations: Lacks elite foot quickness and agility, which limits his effectiveness against speedy edge rushers when playing tackle.
- Pad Level: Plays with a high pad level at times, reducing his leverage and lower-body strength.
- Recovery Ability: Struggles to recover when beaten by quicker defenders or when facing stunts and twists.
- Consistency in Space: Has difficulty climbing to the second level or finishing blocks on linebackers due to average mobility.
- Technical Refinement: Needs to improve hand placement and avoid oversetting against wide-aligned rushers.
Combine Results (Unofficial)
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.95 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 29 inches
- Broad Jump: 106 inches
- Shuttle: 4.66 seconds
These numbers reflect adequate athleticism for an interior offensive lineman but confirm his limitations as an edge blocker.
NFL Projection
Savaiinaea’s skill set translates best to playing guard in a gap-heavy or power-based run scheme where his size and strength can shine while minimizing his athletic shortcomings. His experience at tackle adds value as he can serve as an emergency option on the outside if needed.
While he may not possess elite athletic traits, his high floor as a reliable interior lineman makes him an attractive option for teams seeking immediate help on the offensive line. He projects as a Day 2 pick (late second or early third round) with starter potential by midseason of his rookie year.
Pro Comparison
Savaiinaea has drawn comparisons to Cordell Volson of the Cincinnati Bengals due to his physicality, versatility, and ability to anchor effectively against interior defenders.
Summary
Jonah Savaiinaea is a dependable and powerful offensive line prospect with three years of high-level collegiate experience. While his athletic limitations cap his ceiling as an elite tackle prospect, he has all the tools necessary to become a starting guard in the NFL. Teams prioritizing size, strength, and versatility will find great value in selecting him on Day 2 of the draft.
Draft Projection: Late Round 2 / Early Round 3
Best Fit Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots
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