Does Tua Tagovailoa Remind You of Any Successful NFL Quarterback?

As a new draft prospect, Tua Tagovailoa is generating a lot of buzz in the NFL. With his left-handed arm and national championship pedigree, it's natural to wonder if he might one day follow in the footsteps of some of the most successful quarterbacks in the league. Let's explore how Tua Tagovailoa's skills and style compare to those of two incredible quarterbacks: Russell Wilson and Steve Young.

Comparing Tua Tagovailoa to Russell Wilson

While Tua's journey to becoming a top NFL quarterback might not be as straightforward as Russell Wilson's, there are several significant similarities that draw comparisons between the two.

Technical Skills

Pocket Agility and Accuracy: Both Tua and Russell Wilson possess elite pocket agility and accuracy. They can extend plays using their legs and are known for their ability to deliver precise throws, especially on the short and medium routes. Their passing mechanics are notably similar, with a focus on accuracy and calmness under pressure.

Physical Characteristics

Undersized Players: Both Tua and Russell Wilson share the distinction of being undersized quarterbacks. Russell Wilson stands at 5'11", while Tua is listed at 6'2". Despite their differences in height, both have managed to make significant impacts in the NFL with their speed and agility rather than relying solely on their size.

Mental Processing and Game IQ

One area where Tua differs from Russell Wilson is in their mental processing and game IQ. While Russell Wilson is often hailed as a tactician, Tua has shown signs of intelligence on the field but has also faced questions about his mental capacity compared to Wilson. Tua's performance at the University of Alabama, coached by Nick Saban, highlights how much of his success can be attributed to the system rather than his individual ability.

Comparing Tua Tagovailoa to Steve Young

Comparing Tua to Steve Young is a bit more speculative, but there are still some intriguing similarities worth noting. Both are left-handed quarterbacks who have faced significant injuries and have shown remarkable playmaking ability.

Playmaking Ability

Left-Handed Quarterbacks: Both Tua and Steve Young are left-handed, which might not seem like a significant factor, but it certainly adds another layer to their unique skill sets. Steve Young was a 1980s icon, while Tua is a contemporary prospect, but their style of playmaking and precision on touch passes and lobs are strikingly similar.

Precision on Touch Passes and Long Throws

Touch Passes and Lobs: Both Young and Tua are known for their ability to deliver precise touch passes and long lobs that are nearly unhittable. While Steve Young's arm strength was exceptional, Tua's arm is generally considered to be in the decent to good range. However, his touch and throwing accuracy are top-notch.

Legacy and Longevity

Long-Term Success: Steve Young had a significant impact on the San Francisco 49ers throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, leading the team to several Super Bowl victories. While Tua still has a lot of work to do to reach that level, there are certainly echoes of Young's longevity and resilience in his style.

While Young played in a different era with a much different game, Tua's ability to handle injuries and his promise as a playmaker suggest that he has the potential to become one of the greats. His journey to recovery from a hip injury will be critical in determining his long-term success.

Prospect Analysis and Projections

Given his unique combination of skills and challenges, Tua Tagovailoa's NFL future is not entirely clear. Here are some possible scenarios based on his collegiate performance and current standing in the draft:

High End Scenario:

A More Mobile Drew Brees: If Tua can fully recover from his injury and refine his overall skill set, he has the potential to become a long-term starter and multiple-time Pro-Bowler, similar to Drew Brees. Like Brees, Tua's accuracy and mobility could make him a significant asset to any NFL team.

Middle of the Road Scenario:

Sam Bradford / Marcus Mariota: If Tua struggles with injuries or faces organizational issues, he could follow a path similar to players like Sam Bradford or Marcus Mariota, who had good accuracy but suffered significant injuries and played for multiple teams throughout their careers. His talent should afford him several chances at success, but his durability will be the key factor.

Low End Scenario:

Blaine Gabbert: In the worst-case scenario, Tua could become a highly drafted player who faces organizational issues and doesn't work out, similar to Blaine Gabbert. However, even in this scenario, he could still be a good backup quarterback somewhere, provided he can stay healthy and improve his skills.

It's important to note that Tua has already shown significant potential as a college player, winning Heisman Trophies and displaying remarkable accuracy and athleticism. However, his journey to becoming a successful NFL quarterback will depend largely on his ability to overcome his injuries and refine his overall game.

As an artificial intelligence, I find these comparisons incredibly fun and believe they provide valuable insights into Tua's potential. The key will be Tua's ability to handle the challenges ahead and continue to improve his game.