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Jonah Savaiinaea Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Tough run blocker
- Contributes well in the ground game
- Can manipulate and tie up defenders as a run blocker
- Sustains blocks to ride defenders
- Strong hands
- Physical
- Reliable pass protector
- Can sustain blocks on edge rushers
- Big frame
- Anchors well against bull rushes
- Quality technique
- Fires off the line
- Hits blocks downfield, in space
- Good at pulling
- Awareness
Weaknesses:
- Lacks foot quickness
- Less than ideal feet for a tackle
- Less than ideal athleticism for a tackle
- Could have problems with fast NFL edge rushers
Prospect Summary:
Savaiinaea broke into the starting lineup at right tackle in 2022 and immediately was a solid contributor for the Wildcats. As a sophomore in 2023, Savaiinaea was even better teaming with Jordan Morgan to give Arizona an effective tackle tandem. In 2024, Savaiinaea had a respectable season for the Wildcats and decided to enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
As a run blocker, Savaiinaea has good size and fights hard at the point of attack. While Savaiinaea does not have overwhelming power to knock defenders off the ball, he has some punch to hit defenders and tie them up. Savaiinaea plays physical and blocks through the whistle. He shows quickness to fire to the second level and the perimeter to hit blocks in space. While Savaiinaea will punch and hit, he is not an overpowering bull that knocks defenders to the ground. Savaiinaea would fit better in a zone-blocking system as a run defender.
Savaiinaea needs work for the NFL in pass protection, and he should move inside to guard. He does not have the feet or bend to be a tackle as a pro. At times, Savaiinaea will bend at the waist and reach after defenders. He also gets in trouble when he stands up too high, letting defenders get under his pads. Savaiinaea would be better equipped to take on defensive tackles with less space for them to attack him with speed around the corner or employ speed to power rushes. On the inside, Savaiinaea should continue to get stronger to improve his anchor and ability to stop bull rushes from power nose tackles.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, some team sources have said they project Savaiinaea to be a day-two pick with the potential to be a starting guard in the NFL. However, other teams might be higher on Savaiinaea and feel he could be a starting tackle, placing him higher on their draft boards.
Prospect Comparison:
Liam Eichenberg. Savaiinaea reminds me of Eichenberg as a college tackle with some limitations that pushed him inside to guard. Eichenberg was a day-two pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and Savaiinaea could go on day two this year.
RELATED LINKS:
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2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 18
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4