2020 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round targets
By Ian Higgins
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Scouting Report found here
If only Tua was able to remain healthy, Tampa Bay would never be in consideration for this selection at #14 overall. After an impressive 2019 campaign and prior success, Tua Tagovailoa has fallen from his top-5 projection due to the inherent injury concerns associated with such a serious hip injury incurred against Mississippi State. Ignoring the injury concern, Tagovailoa did demonstrate the qualities of a modern NFL quarterback during his time at Alabama.
Tagovailoa is an intelligent passer with the ability to fit the ball into tight windows and make smart decisions with the football. Like many of his peers, he is not a run-focused quarterback but does have the ability to produce with his legs when the play breaks down. Much of his passing production was made “between -3 to 15 yards downfield” (above scouting report), which is the sweet spot for many NFL passing offenses. Mechanically, Tagovailoa is polished and ready for the next level, but some minor tweaks will be needed to reach the full capability of his game.
With Jameis Winston likely making his way out of Tampa Bay for greener pastures, Tagovailoa could be in a position to take over from day one, but the previously mentioned injury concerns should keep Bruce Arians from making such a rash decision. A bridge quarterback (ex: Ryan Fitzpatrick) would be a great fit in the development of Tampa Bay’s roster to give time for Tagovailoa to fully heal and adjust to the speed of the NFL game.
Overall, Tagovailoa is one of the safest quarterback bets relative to his draft position, but still holds looming concerns over his health. Since inheriting the starting job for the Crimson Tide, Tagovailoa has dealt with:
- Mar ’18: Broken finger
- Oct ’18: Knee sprain
- Nov ’18: Quad injury
- Dec ’18: Left ankle injury
- Oct ’19: High ankle sprain
- Nov ’19: Hip injury
Courtesy of Montgomery Advisor
With the risk, comes high yield for whichever team selects the Hawaii native.