Tua Tagovailoa
Strengths/Concerns ...
Physique/Durability/Mobility-Pocket Presence
Built like a running back. Thick build throughout his body. Height has never been a problem but injuries can't be ignored. Especially concerning his game. His mobility, escapability are huge part of this game and he needs every bit of them to hit his peak form at the next level. His hips, feet/ankles, needless to say, are intrical in avoiding danger and making a play when things break down. Makes and avoids plays most can't. Spins, climbs, will fight out of some hopeless situations. Could get better sliding through some traffic. At times he looks his size when the pocket collapses and there's a bit of hesitation to his game. Still + part of his game as long as he's healthy. Feels and recognizes pressure before he sees it. Outstanding selling PA/HO.
Arm Talent/Strength
Excellent accuracy, placement & touch to all areas. Uncanny ability to drop the ball over or on his targets shoulder, throwing them into space. Short, intermediate, in breaking routes are a thing of beauty. Slants, crossers, over routes etc are one of my favorite passes to watch being thrown by Tua. The consistency, accuracy & placement is always on point. The ball is always on the lead shoulder/chest area. I noticed it early in his career but stood out last year watching Smith catch crossers, it's just money for Tua. Easily one of the best I've seen throwing those types of routes. Sounds simple but their part of so many concepts. The timing, confidence and anticipation stand out every time.
Natural anticipation, not only passing but running his entire offense. He knows exactly where & when everyone should be.
Arm strength passes threshold. Isn't great but can attack all areas. Makes up for a lot in reasons above but its hardly a problem.
People can talk about Love, Eason etc but when healthy Tua's arm is up there with the best of the bunch when you consider consistent velocity, placement, touch & accuracy. If not the best. There are others with more upside, perhaps, once they sharpen their skills. JB's year is absolutely on that tier but as it stands now none have done it as long as Tua.
His deep accuracy is special as well. His ability to lead his WRs while they track is some of the best I've seen recently. Again uncanny comes up on so many of his passes. Arm strength might not be great, but he certainly has a + arm.
Mechanics
Lower body mechanics are on point for most part. Feet & hips work in concert. Usually always help put him in the best possible spot to deliver from. Compact-precise steps, hops deliver a sturdy base. Great weight transfer, great balance. At times will let his feet get too close/base too narrow. Will lose some power, balance and throw off target. Back foot will come off the ground to get more power/velocity when he needs that extra juice. At times lightening quick release. No hesitation or timidity. Looks to have + grip strength from the way the ball leaves his hands. Footwork and movements have improved each year.
Reads-Progressions/Decision Making/Toughness
Capable of shredding through zone, aware of weak spots. Can manipulate a flooded secondary. Eye manipulation is + at times. So many "easy" throws are the result of his eyes.
Can beat tight coverage and not afraid to test man. Stands tall, no flinch, will give his targets every chance to make a play. + toughness, physically and mentally. Been under the spotlight at a early age and delivered big time. At times will stare down his targets a bit too much. Get locked on too easy. Might force one or two but it looks like a killer instinct rather than poor/lack of understanding what's in front of him. More than capable of breaking down route concepts and running various systems next level imo.
Whether it's short misdirection, verts, overs/crossers Tua understands what it takes to develop. Knows where his targets should be and where is hot is for the most part. At times has had problems seeing/fooling 2nd level defenders. Definitely more than DB's. Seeing, moving LBs could improve.
Leadership
Easily one of the biggest factors when talking Tua. Players look to him for energy, confidence and direction. He's always up beat, no sign of quit or being scared of the moment. He can be your QB, lead the 53 and is almost an assistant coach on the field.
Outlook ...
Essentially you're gambling on Tua's health if you're taking him top 20. The concerns, weakness are few and some coachable. He's been carrying himself like a professional before Bama.
He's smart, disciplined and improved his play throughout his time there.
He gives you the talent, skill set to win with in-game. The mentality, maturity you can trust to make the decisions on & off the field too.
Tua is that kid you see at every QB camp trying to get better. Pushing himself against the best. He's not afraid to make a play and win you the game. Huge factor in being a good or great QB.
So much of his game is built/plays off his mobility so again medicals will be huge. If they point up and look good, he's absolutely worth the gamble.
Not Tua's best game but he was good enough for the win imo and was let down by his team on more than a few plays. Drops and quite simply some poor play from some of his targets/teammates stood out watching this game.
