Why the Chargers should draft Tua Tagovailoa

Over the course of the next month, we will be taking a look at potential prospects the Los Angeles Chargers could target with the sixth overall pick. The first prospect is Alabama quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa.

The Alabama quarterback recently declared for the NFL draft. After lighting up his opponents through the first nine games of the season, Tagovailoa suffered a dislocation and posterior wall fracture to his right hip. This injury ended his season and has many wondering if he will ever return to form. When healthy, he is arguably the top quarterback in this draft class.

Tua Tagovailoa can do it all. Great arm strength, incredible mobility, amazing football IQ and a leader. He can keep plays alive and make something magical happen. He is exactly the type of player anyone would want as their team’s starting quarterback.

However, he has suffered some pretty serious injuries over the past few seasons, which will have teams question his durability. This is definitely something to keep an eye on as we get closer to the combine and the draft.

According to Mike Rodak of AL.com, Tagovailoa is “expected to be healthy, throwing for NFL teams by April”.

While he will not be participating in the NFL combine, which starts in late February, he could possibly compete in Alabama’s Pro Day in April before the draft. During the combine, Tagovailoa will be meeting with teams and doctors so they can get a good look at his recovery and see if he will be worth the risk.

Aside from his injury history, one concern for him is his accuracy under pressure and on the run. One common thing that Tagovailoa does when he is about to take a hit, is that he tends to hurry the throw and turn his back to the defender before he gets hit. He does this to protect himself from the defender, but it affects his accuracy negatively.

While he does a great job of moving around and avoiding defenders, he will occasionally throw it without setting his feet when stepping up into the pocket. This causes balls to sail over his target’s head.

It is very hard to find negative things to say about Tagovailoa besides his injuries. He is an incredible prospect and if healthy, could very well be the best quarterback in this class.

Drafting Tagovailoa will likely come down to the decision the Miami Dolphins make with the fifth pick. If he is still on the board when the Chargers pick at number six, it will be very hard to pass up on someone with his talent, even if it means taking a risk.