Welcome to the 20/20 series. As part of our continued Dynasty Scouts coverage and in preparation for the NFL Combine, we profile 20 of the top incoming rookies of the class of 2020 by giving you 20 facts you must know.
1.) Player Name – Tua Tagovailoa
2.) College – Alabama
3.) Height/Weight – 6’1″, 218 pounds
4.) Birth Date – 03/02/1998 (21 years old)
5.) Class – Junior
6.) Basic college stats – Tua broke onto the scene on the biggest and brightest of stages as a true freshman in 2017. Having played sparingly in the regular season, he stepped up in relief of a struggling Jalen Hurts in the National Championship game versus Georgia to deliver the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime to bring home the title. He only went on to become the most prolific passers in Alabama history, while sitting out many fourth quarters and an injury-shortened junior campaign.
7.) NFL Draft round projection – We all know what he can do as a passer. He’s shown us how talented he is in every facet of the position, but there are question marks around his current hip injury and his overall injury history. Based on everything we are hearing about his recovery and numerous mock drafts, he seems to be a lock for at worst a top-15 selection, with the very real chance he goes much much higher.
I’m in a superflex dynasty with Lock, Wentz, Bridgewater and picks 1,3,4 in round 1. Tua and Burrow seem tempting but I’ve got other needs as well. Is it still smart to take one of these guys just because position scarcity alone?
Thank you! I appreciate the response Ray! I have been going back and forth a bit.
Had a similar case with a bunch of firsts and a weak overall team but LJ and Dak as starters. Still went Murray 1.01 and I’d do it again.
Lock is a promising prospect, but, forgive the pun, not a lock to be a star. Bridgewater will likely get another shot to be a starter somewhere, but based on his New Orleans games, I think he’ll be more of a game manager. Wentz is a top 10 dynasty QB, but seems more of a second tier guy than really being a stud. So, you could really use a straight up star QB and maybe trade Bridgewater. Of the QBs in this draft, I think there’s risk in both Burrow (only one really great season) and Tua (injuries). I’d take Tua and the injury risk because I think he’s almost certain to be elite if he stays healthy, whereas one-year wonders, especially at QB, always make me nervous.
Do you like him over Swift in superflex?
Depends on where Swift goes and what you need. Most of the mocks have him going to Miami, which I’m not that thrilled with. (Don’t get me wrong, he’s still the best back in the draft even if he’s a Dolphin.) I have seen him mocked, more rarely, to Tennessee if they decide they can’t afford Derek Henry and the ‘Fins pass on him. He could become the top running back in the NFL in that offense with his skill set or at least a close number two to McCaffrey.
I think that’s the safest pick in the draft. Both QBs are boom or bust guys, but I’m as certain as I can be that Swift is going to be a top RB.
You feel that strongly about Swift? Is it because of the receiving chops? I’m leaning Tua > Burrow as well.
