The left side of the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line has been rebuilt. It’s talented, but a rookie will need to finalize the front five.
Left tackle Terron Armstead retired in April. The team already invested a second-round pick in his eventually replacement, Patrick Paul, last year. Left guard Robert Jones left in free agency to join the Dallas Cowboys. Liam Eichenberg will compete with veteran James Daniels to start at right guard, with the latter holding an obvious advantage after signing a three-year, $24 million free-agent contract.
Miami used this year’s 37th overall pick to make sure it had talent along the interior. Jonah Savaiinaea is making the transition to left guard after primarily playing offensive tackle in college. He’s already building a bond with the Dolphins’ left tackle.
“Having Pat [Paul] here all summer, we got to build that chemistry, especially playing next to him,” Savaiinaea told reporters. “Just building chemistry, not only on the field but off the field, you know, just being able to trust each other.”
For the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa’s protection is the utmost concern. Savaiinaea understands the assignment.
“Tua’s like an older bro of mine,” the rookie said when asked about the quarterback. “Right when we connected, it felt like we knew each other for a long time. I’ve been hanging out at his house over the break.”