Case File No. 32: Tua Tagovailoa

Tua Tagovailoa. Photo Credit: Associated Press.

Today, I open the case file of Tua Tagovailoa. He has had his share of accomplishments as well as criticism in his young career, but I think he's coming along and is gradually playing up to the fifth overall pick status.

Team: Miami Dolphins

Position: Quarterback

HT: 6-1  WT: 227

Credentials:

NFL passing yards leader (2023)

Pro Bowl (2023)

NFL passer rating leader (2022)

CFP champion (2017)

First-team All-SEC (2018)

Strengths:

-Accurate passer

-Great character

-Good pocket presence

-Accurate, very good timing and anticipation 

-Makes plays with his feet when he needs to

Weaknesses:

-Arm strength isn't ideal

-Injury prone

-Will telegraph his throws at times 

Final Analysis:

Tua is player with immense potential if he can stay healthy. Amidst the criticism and questions of his arm strength--I'll get to that in a little bit--there has been questions and criticism of his durability. To his credit, for the first time in his career since becoming the Dolphins starting quarterback, he played the entire season last year.

Where he lacks in arm strength, he more than makes for in timing, accuracy and anticipation. He's working with a staff that's able to maximize his strengths and circumvent his weaknesses as a passer, although I think the best way is to improve in that area, but there are ways around working with a quarterback who doesn't have a strong arm.

Working in an offense that plays to his strengths of timing can also be his weaknesses because he will telegraph his throws at times, which led to some of the interceptions he threw last season. The defense knew exactly where he was going with the ball before he threw it.

While he prefers to operate from the pocket, he can make plays with his feet if he needs to. Overall, I think Tua is good with the upside to get better. He hasn't arrived yet, but I think he's getting there. I think he's turning the corner.