Scouting Report: Taulia Tagovailoa (2024 Draft Class)

Taulia Tagovailoa is an intriguing quarterback prospect who has made a name for himself at the University of Maryland. Known for his football pedigree, Taulia is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Despite his relatively smaller stature for a quarterback, Taulia has shown promise with his arm talent, decision-making, and leadership on the field.

Vitals:
Position: Quarterback
Height: 5’11”
Weight: Approximately 205 lbs

Arm Talent:
One of Taulia Tagovailoa’s standout qualities is his arm talent. He possesses a quick release and the ability to make a wide range of throws with accuracy. Taulia has shown the capability to deliver pinpoint passes on short and intermediate routes, allowing his receivers to catch and run effectively. His arm strength is adequate, enabling him to make throws to the sidelines and downfield.

Accuracy:
Taulia Tagovailoa displays good accuracy as a passer, particularly when targeting receivers in the short to intermediate areas of the field. He excels at leading his receivers and putting the ball in a position for them to make plays after the catch. However, his deep-ball accuracy can be inconsistent at times, and he occasionally struggles with timing on longer throws.

Decision-Making:
Taulia exhibits solid decision-making skills for a young quarterback. He generally makes good choices with the football, minimizing turnovers and avoiding costly mistakes. Taulia’s ability to read defenses and progress through his reads has improved over his college career, suggesting continued growth in this area.

Mobility:
While not a dual-threat quarterback in the traditional sense, Taulia Tagovailoa possesses sufficient mobility to extend plays and evade pressure in the pocket. He can move well within the pocket and has shown the ability to pick up yards with his legs when needed. His mobility adds an extra dimension to his game.

Leadership:
Taulia has demonstrated leadership qualities on and off the field, earning the respect of his teammates at Maryland. His poise and composure under pressure have been noted, and he appears comfortable in a leadership role.

Areas for Improvement:
– Taulia’s size at 5’11” may pose challenges in terms of visibility and getting passes over tall defensive linemen.
– Continuing to refine his deep-ball accuracy and timing on longer throws will be important for his development.
– Developing a stronger understanding of complex defensive schemes and pre-snap reads can help him make quicker and more precise decisions.

Player Comparison:
Taulia Tagovailoa’s playing style and attributes draw comparisons to shorter quarterbacks like Tyrod Taylor and Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos. Like them, Taulia is a shorter quarterback who relies on his arm talent, accuracy, and mobility to make plays. Taulia has demonstrated leadership qualities on and off the field, earning the respect of his teammates at Maryland, much like Tyrod Taylor. His poise and composure under pressure have been noted, and he appears comfortable in a leadership role.

Taulia Tagovailoa is a promising quarterback prospect with notable arm talent, solid accuracy, and the potential for growth in decision-making. While his size may raise questions, his football IQ and leadership qualities make him an intriguing prospect. With continued development and refinement of his skills, Taulia has the potential to make an impact at the next level of football.

Projected draft position: 3rd round