Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s four-month medical scans are reported as “very good with no concerns”, suggesting he continues on his positive path to recovery, and in turn, will make teams at the top of the 2020 NFL draft very happy.
The Detroit Lions are surely one of the teams monitoring Tagovailoa’s progress as his health status will likely directly impact the team’s No. 3 overall draft pick.
There are mixed reports on whether or not the Lions would be interested in adding Tagovailoa themselves — although ESPN’s Matt Berry strongly says there’s “no chance” they draft him — but even if they aren’t interested in him as a player, other teams are.
Washington coach Ron Rivera, who holds the No. 2 overall pick, said they will bring in Tagovailoa for a visit and insists there is a legitimate interest. The Miami Dolphins, who hold the No. 5 overall pick, are still the Vegas front-runners to draft Tagovailoa. While NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah believes the Los Angeles Chargers, who hold the No. 6 overall pick, would be the team most likely to pull the trigger on a trade up to get the Alabama signal-caller.
If Washington selects Tagovailoa or accepts a trade for him, the Lions would have a chance to draft Ohio State’s Chase Young, arguably the best player in this draft class. And if Washington drafts Young, the Lions will have a chance to push the Dolphins and Chargers in a bidding war and potentially add more draft capital.
This is a win-win situation for the Lions, as long as Tagovailoa’s progress continues forward.
According to NFL.com, Tagovailoa’s doctor, Lyle Cain, is paraphrased as saying “the outlook is as positive as can be at the four-month mark, but the left-handed quarterback still has several weeks, if not longer, to go before he is in actual shape for NFL-level football activity. The time frame will be based on how his body responds to a steady progression of weight-training, running and drills related to quarterback play.”
Tagovailoa will likely be part of the NFL Combine medical rechecks next month and is scheduled to hold a private Pro Day on April 9th — expect the Lions to be paying close attention to both events leading up to the draft.