Former Buffalo Bills and New York Jets coach Rex Ryan is currently in Hawaii serving as the head coach for one of the two teams at the Hula Bowl, an all-star game for some of the top prospects in the country.
Ryan spent some of his time talking to KHON2 News’ Ren Clayton, where he talked about some of top players from the state of Hawaii. Among them is former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who Ryan believes him and the Los Angeles Chargers would be the perfect pairing.
“I hope he lands with the LA Chargers.”
Former NFL Head Coach Rex Ryan has a specific reason he’d like to see Tua Tagovailoa drafted 6th.He also shared his thoughts on Marcus Mariota and DeForest Buckner. https://t.co/QMt5WcN5Fy pic.twitter.com/3zFbvhj7jU
— Ren Clayton (@Ren_Clayton) January 25, 2020
“I hope he lands with the LA Chargers. And the reason I say that is because my son is a coach on that staff. He wants Tua. I want him there because my kid’s there. And I know if he’s there, they’re going to win,” Ryan said.
Ryan said that his son, Seth wants him with the No. 6 overall selection. Seth works as a quality control coach on the staff of the Chargers.
Tua is certainly in consideration for the Bolts’ first-round pick. He is arguably one of the most polarizing prospects in this year’s class, but he is the most questionable, considering he is coming off a severe lower body injury.
“I understand he’s an outstanding young man. So he’s got it. I know he’s had some injury issues and things but that’s just the way it goes. Every player is going to get injured at some point. He just happened to get injured now. Hopefully all that’s behind him and he goes on and has a 10-15 year career. That would be great. I know that’s what the state of Hawaii is looking for also.”
Tagovailoa is expected to hold about a 40-minute session in which he makes 60-80 throws in front of scouts. If his recovery process goes quicker than anticipated, he could throw at Alabama’s Pro Day in March. If not, he will hold it likely closer to the draft.
Tagovailoa could benefit from being on a team like Los Angeles because he wouldn’t have to start Year 1 since Philip Rivers or Tyrod Taylor will be the starter in 2020, giving Tua enough time to sit and completely get back to full health for the 2021 season where he could then take the reins.