A main component of success is the offensive line and the Miami Dolphins are set to make some sweeping changes.
There is some good and not-so-good news regarding the Miami Dolphins' offensive line. While left tackle Patrick Paul and center Aaron Brewer anchor the line in a major way, the rest have been critiqued plenty.
Upcoming second-year guard Jonah Savaiinaea was ranked the worst guard on Pro Football Focus, and right tackle Austin Jackson continues to face injury issues. Considering the need to form a solid line for Malik Willis, there will be some huge changes.
Both general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley have indicated that everyone will compete for their jobs, and they have continued to state that publicly.
While at the annual owners' meetings, Sullivan and Hafley spoke about the line, pointing out some obvious issues the team has had.
When speaking about Savaiinaea in general, Hafley made it known that they may have to shift the young lineman to the left side.
"I just think once we get these guys and figure out what they can do -- whether he's better on the right, whether he's better on the left -- I think after OTAs, as we get into training camp, we'll figure all that out," he said. "But for me to give you any answer right now, truthfully, I'd just be making it up."
Sullivan also indicated the excitement the team has about Jackson returning, but indicated that everyone will be competing.
"Savaiinaea can be the first one to tell you, he's got to be more consistent," Sullivan said. "And on the right side, we have some questions that we've got to get answered. Austin is coming back. We're excited to get him back. He's got to stay healthy. And then we're going to have a competition at the right guard spot.
Jackson has played in 16 games total during the 2022, 2024, and 2025 seasons. That is not good enough and should not be accepted, especially by this new regime.
There is a chance to bring in more young talent via the draft, as the Dolphins have the No. 11 overall pick. There is consensus top tackle, Francis Mauigoa, guard Vega Ioane, and more to select from.
While the Dolphins have many roster holes, strengthening the line will be in the team's best interest. That is especially true if Jackson cannot stay healthy, as the right tackle position will need to be sorted out.
Competition breeds the best results, and it appears that Sullivan and Hafley are dead set on ensuring they get the best players in every spot, regardless of their status as veterans.