Before the 2019 college football season, even the most ardent Alabama Crimson Tide fan would’ve traded their entire draft stock for Tua Tagovailoa. However, a devastating hip injury and a fractured nose against Mississippi State dampened his prospects. With the dawn of the coronavirus pandemic, the entire draft process went virtual for the first time ever.
Despite the adversity, Tagovailoa was projected to be taken early in the first round. The first overall pick went to Joe Burrow, followed by Chase Young, Jeff Okudah, and Andrew Thomas. Then, the Miami Dolphins made headlines by selecting Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 Draft.
A Sigh of Relief
Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Dec. 31, 2023.
(Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Tagovailoa, in a candid interview with LA News Center, revealed that he could have been drafted in the top three had he been healthy. However, the injuries fueled doubts and fears that he would be overlooked in the first round.
“I felt I could’ve been the first, second, or third pick if healthy,” said Tagovailoa. “But there were also fears and uncertainties if I wouldn’t get drafted in the first round.”
When he finally heard his name called as the fifth pick, Tagovailoa felt an immense sense of relief. However, he knew there was more responsibility that came with the honor of being a first-round selection.
“When I heard my name called, I felt a sense of relief, but I knew there was a lot of weight that came with it,” he said. “I had to live up to the expectations of a first-round pick.”
Roller Coaster Year
Tua Tagovailoa shows off the lining of his jacket during the first round of the NFL Draft on April 23, 2020.
(NFL via Getty Images)
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
