Phins Land Tua Without the ‘Tank’
Tua was the expected and unexpected pick
The Top 5 Picks in the 2020 NFL Draft went almost exactly as Jimmy Burbon predicted… aside from a different O-linemen being taken by the Giants. Not too shabby, Jimmy. But, the real news is the Miami Dolphins selected Tua Tagovailoa with their 5th Overall pick.
Tua was both the expected and unexpected move by the Dolphins.
To be truthful, I was disappointed they didn’t select Isaiah Simmons, who is the perfect player for the Dolphins defense. This kid could very well be a generational player.
Now don’t get me wrong: I get the Tua pick, I do!
Tua has just about everything you could ask for from a quarterback prospect. Tua even has that ‘good guy’ charm like Tim Tebow, but with top-flight throwing talent. He’s the type of kid you root hard for. Add to this equation Ross’s love for him, the long list of misses Miami has had at quarterback, and fact that he ‘slipped’ to the 5th pick. and this was the obvious move in retrospect. At least they didn’t trade up to get him.
Despite all Tua’s talent, intelligence, character, and leadership, if his long injury history doesn’t change the Phins and their fans will regret drafting him.
You can bet with the best bookie software sites that Grier and Flores will be defined by this pick. This selection will either end up being regarded as a brilliant move or an utter disaster. There isn’t a middle ground with this selection. Considering the value of the 5th pick, the excellent players passed on for him, the 2nd round pick used to acquire Josh Rosen, and the investment of time and commitment that will be given, it’s boom or bust with Tua.
BUT! Let’s be clear: If Tua stays healthy and ends up even being very good, this is a huge win for this franchise and their fans. Even door #2 of Tua having a short career but leading the Phins to a single championship would make drafting him a winner.
Anything less than either of these scenarios is a loss for the Phins.
I guess in truth, I’m a jaded Phin fan who has a hard time believing Tua will stay healthy. This is why ‘redshirting’ Tua in 2020 is a foregone conclusion. No?
It has to be. At least the Dolphins will have another draft to build an offensive line to protect him. And maybe a quick rhythm scheme like the Pats used with Brady and the Saints use with Brees will be just what the doctor ordered?
Maybe Tua ends up like Frank Gore, who tore two ACLs in college and was an iron man ever since?! Maybe nice guys don’t always finish last and Tua will have a heroic tale of freeing a cursed franchise?
It can happen!
Hey, injury concern or not, at least Tua is the best quarterback prospect to come into Miami since Dan Marino. That’s hopeful and a step in the right direction! It’s really true: You have to be in it to win it! Go Phins!!!
Wasted 5th pick tua is not the answer #1.yatil green nobody remembers how that worked out for us#2.Bama program as great as it is how many QBs starting in the NFL #3.lefty in NFL last one tebow and I’m a tebow fan and I would take tebow over tua I hope this pick dont hurt us but wasnt my choice TANKING WITH TUA!!!!!
Admin
You are correct in your assessment on the #5 picked: He Will not play this season which is on track for a rookie QB, the Dolphins get a passed this season on the picked. Year Two will defined their decision. There 1st offensive linemen will not start this season as well and the 3rd picked I really liked him in the 3rd round and he will not start this season either.
Assessment of the 3 picks cannot be made until the end of 2021? They did passed on day 1 starters. But the Dolphins have to make this worked.
“Assessment of the 3 picks cannot be made until the end of 2021? They did pass on day 1 starters. But the Dolphins have to make this worked.”
Nailed it. They are betting on coaching and some luck and their trainers and doctors. I can see the wisdom, but it’s a bit risky. We’ll see if they are smarter than the average bear or not on this one.
First round draft was a bust, 1 out of three not a good average. Tua injury prone, the tackle will be on training wheels, the corner back is good but not needed. Where is the OL help and pass rush help?
Hope it all works out! in coach F I trust?
It could be. I’m fine with the tackle… although, I liked Jones better because he could start earlier and had better competition. We still might draft him though and Jackson has a ton of potential. Much of his weaknesses revolve around play strength. Kid is only 20, so I think he could be a good one. Jackson will be ready late in the season or next year… and given we drafted Tua it’s okay. Tua could be amazing or disaster. We don’t know. If I had to bet my life on it, I’d say he won’t because of injury. Still, he could be alright and he is such a good kid with a ton of talent. If he does, Miami will be in serious biz. As for Igbinoghene, if he can learn from coaching he could be a good player. Howard is a concern due to his domestic issues and injury, so long term we needed an answer. I don’t see him being here beyond his current contract… if even that really. Really, I hope it works out is a good one. This will be about some luck and coaching and physical training for Tua and Jackson… it will be a while before we know what we have. I’d of gone a more conservative route… but, if this hits, then we will be sittting pretty… IF!
MJ, I understand your point of view. However, Tua is too good to not draft him at #5. I was dead set against move up early on at #5 or #18 to get anybody, let alone Tua. We need that franchise QB and it appears that Rosen is not it. I think they will keep Rosen for this season and use him as Fitzpatrick’s back-up, and to also hope they can garner some interest in him for a future draft pick. Tua is our guy going forward after Fitz. I like the tackle and CB selections too. With Howard’s knee issues, it made sense to get strong depth at CB. However, in the 2nd round, we need a stout NT/DT, and a OG and maybe even one of the top 4 or 5 RB’s. In addition to a solid OL to protect Tua, he will need a strong running game. I think Grier handled this draft so far very well. We did not mortgage the farm only to take a flashy player with appeal like Simmons at LB. Don’t get me wrong I would have loved to grabbed this guy, but we have a lot of needs, and QB along with the trenches for me are a priority early on.
I agree. But he has two hurdles injury and play. We don’t know how good he’ll be (like and player) then there is a second layer of injury. I do get the pick and I was half expecting it. But, if he isn’t really good we went through the season for nothing. Like any player, but this one is more fickle. Still, it was too much for them to resist. Yeah, I’m getting to the other players… my article vanished into the ether or computer land so I had to rewrite it… it was late and became shorter… getting to the other player soon. I think he handled it well too. The extra 4th was nice. But, we’ll see.