Tua Tagovailoa’s legendary career, one of the greatest in college football history, has come to an end.
The legend of Tua came to be in the 2017 National Championship against Georgia. He replaced Jalen Hurts and lead the comeback and game-winning touchdown pass.
Since that moment, he’s shown rare arm talent, accuracy, athleticism and pocket presence. Teams were set up while fans began a #TankForTua movement.
A once lock to be the number one overall pick is now a mystery when it comes to the NFL draft. If Tagovailoa can overcome his injured hip, he may be a robbery in the middle to late first round. Or, teams may take a risk in the top ten talent-wise.
Here’s how we think Tua could wind up:
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins went 5-11 in the 2019 regular season. Many suspected the team would be winless and secure the number one pick. However, they surprised the league, especially in the second half of the season.
Now, the Dolphins can take Tagovailoa No. 5 overall. Tagovailoa most likely will not be ready to suit up in 2020. He can recover while Ryan Fizpatrick leads the team and the young QB can learn from the savvy vet.
Los Angeles Chargers
If Tagovailoa was somehow healthy by the 2020 season, the Chargers might pick him up. Phillip Rivers is set to enter free agency. They’re in the market for their next face of the franchise. Unlike the Rams, the Chargers’ popularity in LA is stagnant.
Tagovailoa could bring a spark and interest to the team as they enter their new stadium. With the No. 6 pick just behind the Dolphins, they may feel pressure to trade up and select the young QB.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The biggest mystery in the league is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jameis Winston. He set a career high with 33 touchdown passes but became the first player with 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions.
Those interceptions were 12 more than his previous mark. Head coach Bruce Arians may want to move forward with Winston in 2020. The quarterback isn’t under contract and never lead the team to playoffs.
New Orleans Saints
Okay, this is a stretch. Tagovailoa has a similar skill set and size to Drew Brees, now at 40 with one more year left on a deal the team could void. New Orleans has to make a decision on backup Teddy Bridgewater.
Bridgewater went undefeated in Brees’ absence earlier in the season and will be seeking a starting opportunity. Tagovailoa could serve as 3rd QB behind Taysom Hill until he’s ready to take over for the team.
