One of the best highlights of the 2020 Senior Bowl is the accessibility. At any given moment, an NFL head coach or executive could be lurking right around the corner — and with everyone present for the same purpose, the event provides a unique opportunity for exposure and conversation.
That’s exactly what Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier provided when he fielded questions in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Because there, he was able to talk about his criteria for an ideal quarterback. These boxes are important to identify as the Dolphins look to identify their future face of the franchise. And thanks to Grier’s candid discussion on the position, those boxes are a bit more defined than what they were before last week.
So, what exactly is Grier looking for?
“I think when you’re talking about the quarterback position, a lot of the intangibles are what separates a lot of guys because you hear stories now even when they talk about – like they said Tom Brady coming out didn’t have great arm strength, or Drew Brees,” said Grier.
“But those guys are some of the all-time best to ever play the game. You look at everything, everyone’s skill set at the end of the day. Do they win games? Are they leaders? Are they football smart? The intangibles, the character and stuff plays a big part at that position but also at any position.”
If the Dolphins are looking for someone to meet these criteria, the obvious answer is Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa. But if the medical feedback on Tagovailoa is unfavorable, then the Dolphins will need to look for the next in show — or punt the position all together for another season. That decision could be aided by Grier’s expectation that QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will indeed be back in 2020 with the team.
“I fully expect Ryan to be back and playing. He did a great job – the things he did with the young players, too, in the locker room, his leadership and just his enthusiasm,” said Grier.
“I mean, you guys saw him, how he is and carries himself. He did a great job for us.”
Indeed he did. And now the Dolphins must find the next one to provide that same energy. The next few months will be critical for the Dolphins to get to know the quarterbacks intimately so that they can make the most educated decision possible.
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