2020 NFL Draft: Tua Tagovailoa still an elite quarterback prospect

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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 09: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates throwing a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the LSU Tigers in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Strengths

It was soon apparent how much of an upgrade Tagovailoa was on Jalen Hurts when he came off the bench in January 2018 to lead Alabama to National Championship glory against Georgia. His exceptional skill set helped him secure his place in the long and storied history of the Crimson Tide.

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Tagovailoa has a snappy release and can fire the ball into tight windows with tremendous zip. He is an anticipatory thrower who consistently releases the ball before his receiver is out of their break to hit his target in stride.

His ball placement and touch on deep throws is nothing short of stunning. Tagovailoa can drop downfield passes right into the bucket with consummate ease and has already mastered the art of the back-shoulder throw.

Unlike many prospects, Tagovailoa excels at working through his progressions. He senses pressure well and always seems to know where his checkdown target is. He possesses a highly developed understanding of how to maneuver around the pocket to evade the rush and can execute incredible movements to keep plays alive when pass rushers seemingly have him dead to rights.

An effective scrambler who can pick up yardage with his legs, Tagovailoa is also an extremely accurate thrower on the move and has all the tools to continue to confound defenses in the pros with his ability to make plays from the pocket and outside of the structure.

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