When the Miami Dolphins hired Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new General Manager, they didn’t just bring in a new face-they ushered in a new philosophy. After years of frustration in the trenches, Miami is turning to someone who’s spent his career helping build one of the NFL’s most consistently solid offensive lines. And for Dolphins fans, that shift couldn’t come soon enough.
Sullivan arrives in South Florida after years with the Green Bay Packers, where he climbed the personnel ladder under the tutelage of names like Ted Thompson and Brian Gutekunst. But what really stands out about Sullivan’s background isn’t just the front office pedigree-it’s his track record of valuing the offensive line as the foundation of a successful offense.
That’s a mindset Miami has sorely lacked. While other franchises have prioritized building from the inside out, the Dolphins have too often tried to patch up the line with short-term fixes or late-round gambles.
The result? A revolving door of linemen and a quarterback who rarely has time to breathe, let alone throw.
Sullivan’s Packers roots suggest that’s about to change. In Green Bay, the offensive line isn’t an afterthought-it’s a priority.
The Packers have consistently invested in athletic college tackles, often converting them into versatile linemen who can play multiple spots across the line. Since 2018, they’ve drafted five offensive linemen in the first round-more than any other position group.
That’s not a coincidence. It’s a strategy.
Compare that to the Dolphins, who in that same timeframe have drafted just one offensive lineman in the first round: Austin Jackson. While Jackson has shown flashes, his availability has been a concern, and Miami’s overall line play has been inconsistent at best.
That’s where Sullivan’s approach could be a game-changer. He’s been trained to identify offensive line talent with precision, and he’s coming from a system where depth and flexibility up front are non-negotiable.
The Packers don’t just plug holes-they build pipelines. And Sullivan has been a key part of that process.
One of the principles that’s defined Green Bay’s strategy is drafting tackles with the athleticism to move around the line. That versatility has allowed them to weather injuries and maintain a high level of play year after year.
It’s not about finding five starters-it’s about building a unit that can adapt and hold up under pressure. That’s the kind of thinking Miami desperately needs.
Even with a respected offensive line coach like Butch Barry on staff, the Dolphins haven’t been able to put it all together. That’s not necessarily a coaching issue-it’s a personnel one. And that’s where Sullivan’s eye for talent could finally give Barry the tools he needs to mold a cohesive, physical front.
If Sullivan brings that same Packers-style blueprint to Miami, the ripple effects could be huge. A stronger offensive line means more time for Tua Tagovailoa to operate.
It means more running lanes for De’Von Achane, who’s already shown he can be electric in space. And it means a more balanced, physical brand of football-something the Dolphins have lacked for far too long.
This isn’t just about fixing a weak spot on the roster. It’s about changing the identity of the team.
The Dolphins have tried the flashy route. Now they’re turning to the gritty, foundational work that wins games in December and January.
Jon-Eric Sullivan might not be a household name just yet, but if he brings Green Bay’s offensive line philosophy to Miami, he won’t stay under the radar for long. This is the kind of hire that could finally give the Dolphins the edge they’ve been missing up front-and the kind of toughness that defines championship teams.