The Miami Dolphins’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs left them at 0-3, but the bigger storyline in 2026 is still the same one running through this roster rebuild: growth. That puts a spotlight on the offensive line, especially the two young guards Miami is counting on long term.
Rookie left guard Kadyn Proctor and second-year right guard Jonah Savaiinaea were both on the field for every snap against Kansas City, and the numbers showed a mixed night. Proctor played 73 snaps and finished with a 57.5 overall PFF grade, while Savaiinaea posted a 56.6. Neither was charged with a penalty in the game, and Miami also avoided allowing a sack for the first time this season.
Proctor’s best moment came on Ollie Gordon’s touchdown run, when he pulled left, sealed off Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks, and then helped escort Gordon into the end zone. It was the kind of play that shows why Miami is invested in his development.
The pass protection still has work to do. Proctor and Savaiinaea were each charged with two pressures, and the line gave up nine hurries overall.
Even so, Proctor’s pass blocking was a clear step forward. After putting up a 39.1 pass-blocking grade against the 49ers, he bounced back to a 71.3 mark against Kansas City.
Through three weeks, Proctor’s grades have gone 71.2, 62.0 and 57.5 overall, while Savaiinaea has gone 47.6, 65.9 and 56.6. The tracker will continue to update every week, and for a deeper film breakdown of both guards, offensive line coach Eric Smith has his analysis on his YouTube channel, Focused on Fins.
In Other News...
Dolphins Defense Is Getting Healthier As One Return Could Matter Most
The Dolphins are starting to get a little healthier on defense, and the timing matters as the season starts to settle in. Cornerback Storm Duck is back at practice as he works his way off the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, while rookie defensive lineman Trey Moore remains on injured reserve with an ankle injury but is still expected back at some point this season.
Perhaps the most encouraging update comes with Kenneth Grant, who has been out since training camp with a foot and ankle injury. The defensive lineman is progressing well and could be close to a return to practice as early as Week 5, a development that could give Miami a needed boost up front if his recovery continues on schedule. [Read more 🡒]
Dolphins May Have A Tough Zach Sieler Decision Coming
The Dolphins have a decision looming with Zach Sieler, and it is the kind that can say a lot about where a team believes it stands. Sieler has been a steady part of Miamis defensive front in recent seasons, even if he has not gotten to the quarterback for a sack this year, and that track record is part of why he is drawing attention as the trade market begins to take shape.
Chicago is one team reportedly eyeing help on the defensive line as it tries to bolster its playoff push, which puts Miami in an awkward spot. Moving Sieler would mean giving up a dependable veteran and hoping the return in draft assets justifies it, while keeping him would signal the Dolphins still value depth and experience on a unit that could use both. The kind of offer that lands in the middle may end up being the real test. [Read more 🡒]
Dolphins May Have Found A Defensive Cornerstone Much Faster Than Expected
Through his first three NFL games, Jacob Rodriguez has already started to look less like a rookie finding his footing and more like a player the Dolphins can build around. The second-round linebacker has made an early impression with an interception, multiple tackles and the kind of quick-trigger playmaking that tends to travel well on defense. His athleticism and football IQ have stood out immediately, and the comparisons being made to Lavonte David speak to how quickly he has earned attention.
Jeff Hafleys decision to start Rodriguez over incumbent Tyrel Dodson only adds to the sense that Miami sees something special here. For a team always searching for dependable defensive centerpieces, having a young linebacker this comfortable this early changes the conversation in a hurry. The larger question now is how far that trust can go, and whether Rodriguez is already on his way to becoming the leader the Dolphins hoped they were getting. [Read more 🡒]