NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Miami Dolphins: How to establish identity early in 2020 NFL Draft

By Michael Johnson

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 28: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs off the field after their 59-31 win over the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 28: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs off the field after their 59-31 win over the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Round 1 (Dolphins Pick): Draft the face of the franchise

The Miami Dolphins need a face of the franchise. Currently, they are rolling toward the NFL abyss of 0-16 with an inadvertent effort to “Tank for Tua.” Who can blame them? Since taking over the starting duties at Alabama, Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t done anything to jeopardize his draft stock.

More from NFL Spin Zone

The Alabama quarterback is making himself money. Tagovailoa is smooth in the pocket with excellent ball placement and anticipation of routes. Tagovailoa is in full control of the offense and looks as if he’s pulling away from the competition. With his play last season and early in the 2020 season, he’s earned the privilege to become the No. 1 overall pick.

Taking a quarterback to lead the franchise into the future is absolute for the Fins. However, they must have a backup plan if they lose out on the No. 1 overall spot. Justin Herbert is the next best option, he’s a player with mobility a good arm and anticipation.

The 6-7 signal-caller has a rocket arm with a variety of throwing angles, but he also throws with touch and throws his guys open. Because he’s not surrounded by the elite talent it’s both easier to see where he succeeds and where he fails.

If the Fins can’t nab Tagovailoa, Herbert is a fantastic consolation prize. He can sit behind Josh Rosen and develop while the Fins build a team around him. Other possibilities are Jacob Eason, Jake Fromm, Jalen Hurts or Jordan Love later the first round. Right now Tagovailoa is the guy, though — and understandably so.

Home/Miami Dolphins