Dolphins draft Tua Tagovailoa with 5th pick

There was plenty of smoke sent out to NFL reporters about the Dolphins first pick, but in the end the first thought was the best one, as Miami selects Tue Tagovailoa with their fifth overall pick. The only concern for Tagovailoa, and it was a big one, was his longterm health after his hip was dislocated last season. But all the news about his health has been positive and the Dolphins have their quarterback of the future. Tagovailoa is the real deal and will make the Dolphins better as soon as he steps on the field.

Tagovailoa had a strong 2019 before suffering a season ending hip injury against Mississippi State in November. He tallied 2840 passing yards with 33 touchdowns and just three interceptions while completing a career-high 71.4 percent of his passes through nine games. His team was 8-1 in the games he played in before he got hurt and had only lost to LSU, which went on to win the national championship. The Crimson Tide lost one more game in the regular season to Auburn and finished with an 11-2 record. The topped Michigan in the Citrus Bowl to close out its season, but could’ve gone further with their star under center toward the end of the year.

Scouting Report

Tagovailoa has all the tools to be a quality year one starter in the NFL. He has great accuracy and touch at all three levels. He has the mobility necessary to scramble when needed, but can also just use it to buy time and make plays down the field. The main concern with Tagovailoa is health, as he’s undergone multiple surgeries ahead of his pro debut. Can he stand the test of time and last for an entire season at the next level? Can he find success playing for a bad team after spending three years with the best of the best at Alabama? Both those questions need to be answered.

Fantasy football impact

Rookie

The Dolphins probably wouldn’t have drafted Tagovailoa at fifth overall if they didn’t think he was ready to go in year one. He should have a nice young crew of players, as the Dolphins have the most picks in the draft and two more first rounders to go. With no offseason practice, he will likely be behind, as well as the rest of the rookies, so we can’t expect them to gel soon, but he has the ability to put up good numbers with Devante Parker, Preston Williams and Mike Gesicki, especially in 2-QB leagues.

Long-term

Talent isn’t a problem for Tagovailoa. He’s one of the most natural passers in the draft and has superstar upside from a fantasy perspective. If he stays on the field that is. He can air it out and throw into the tightest of windows to make big-time plays. In a vertical offense with suitable weapons, Tagovailoa could be a top 10 fantasy quarterback. He has a tendency to focus on making home run plays, but has to learn to take what the defense gives him to avoid getting hurt anymore.