Tua Tagovailoa is one of the most hyped up prospects available in the 2020 NFL Draft that will begin on Thursday night. While many have him going in the top-10, many thinking he will end up with the Miami Dolphins, NFL insider Peter King has another idea.
King has Tagovailoa actually falling out of the top-10 in his new mock draft. He also has predicted that Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots will trade up for the Alabama star.
With Tom Brady leaving town in free agency to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Patriots could very well be looking to make a move for a quarterback. They have faith in Jarrett Stidham and brought in veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer as well, but an upgrade would be preferred.
Tagovailoa would absolutely be an upgrade for the Patriots. Prior to his hip injury last season, he was considered on the same level with LSU star Joe Burrow. Many thought he would end up being the No. 1 overall pick even over Burrow.
Before the injury, Tagovailoa had completed 71.4 percent of his pass attempts for 2,840 yards, 33 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also scored two touchdowns on the ground.
At this point in time, it doesn’t seem likely that Tagovailoa will fall outside the first 10 picks. However, if he does, the Patriots should absolutely look to trade up. Rumors have been swirling that the San Francisco 49ers are looking to trade down from No. 13, which is where King has them trading up to.
Belichick isn’t going to have any interest in going through a long rebuild. He won’t even have interest in going a year without competing. Tagovailoa would be asked to handle a lot as a rookie in New England, but the Patriots have a system that could help him succeed immediately.
All of that being said, it will be interesting to see what the Patriots end up doing in the draft this year. Tagovailoa would be a huge addition, as would either Justin Herbert or Jordan Love.
Expect to see Belichick keep all of his options open and don’t be surprised if a trade ends up happening for the Patriots.
