Tua Tagovailoa, reflecting on a standout Pro Bowl season, is in line for a significant long-term contract extension, a testament to the Miami Dolphins’ decision to pick him fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, Tagovailoa recently shared with Fox News Digital the concerns he harbored about his draft position back then, stemming from injuries and the unprecedented virtual format of the draft due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Chosen as the second quarterback in 2020, directly after Joe Burrow, Tagovailoa’s draft journey was fraught with uncertainty, primarily because of a hip injury incurred during his time at Alabama. This setback, combined with a simultaneous broken nose, cast doubt over his draft status. “I was in a gray area, knowing that if I were healthy, I might have been the first, second, or third pick,” he recounted.
The Dolphins’ selection of Tagovailoa was a pivotal moment, especially following a season many speculated was a deliberate “Tank for Tua” strategy to secure his talents. The subsequent choice of Justin Herbert by the Los Angeles Chargers, along with the inclusion of other quarterbacks like Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts, has made this quarterback cohort one to remember.
Tagovailoa described the mixture of relief and immediate pressure he felt upon being drafted. The franchise’s expectations weighed heavily, regardless of his young age.
Now, as the 2024 draft looms, Tagovailoa acknowledges the progress he’s made since that virtual draft night. Recalling the words of Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier four years ago highlights the team’s confidence in their decision.
Grier emphasized not only Tagovailoa’s skill but his character, reinforcing the high hopes they had upon drafting him. “There were a lot of talented players, and we really liked Tua,” Grier shared with reporters post-draft, “We felt very comfortable at the end of the day that he would be a fit here.”
With Tagovailoa’s promising trajectory, the Dolphins’ investment seems to be paying off, cementing his role as a central figure in the team’s ongoing success.