NFL Futures Picks: Where Will Tua Tagovailoa's Be Drafted?

BEST BET: (4u) Miami Dolphins @ -115

• The Dolphins have been eyeing up Tua Tagovailoa since the start of last season and have the Draft capital to ensure they get their man

The reason we’re backing the Dolphins

If you followed the NFL last season, one phrase that was constant through the first half of the year on social media was “Tank for Tua”. No team seemed to be embracing that philosophy early in the season more than the Dolphins. They traded away some of their best players in order to stockpile high-end draft picks, while also performing poorly on the field. As the season wore on the performances on the field improved despite the lack of talent. However, due to Tagovailoa’s injuries the Dolphins remain in contention for him despite owning the 5th spot in the draft.

There have been rumors on numerous outlets in the recent weeks that the Dolphins are eyeing up more than just Tagovailoa, and we have seen the likes of Justin Herbert and Jordan Love improve their stock at the combine. Despite that, many expect that Tagovailoa remains the Dolphins ultimate number one target in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Dolphins have seemingly been scouting Tagovailoa closely for at least two years now, meaning it would surprise me if we see them pivot to anyone else on draft day. The only way the Dolphins do not end up with Tagovailoa is if someone else offers more to the teams above to jump ahead of them.

(1.5u) Los Angeles Chargers @ +300

• The Chargers have been unusually aggressive in making moves this offseason

The reason we’re backing the Chargers

The Chargers appear to be in the process of reshaping their franchise. They have let their long-term franchise QB walk before trading away their left tackle since the end of the season. Could they have one bigger move left in them this offseason? The Chargers do not have the same draft capital as the Dolphins if they wanted to move up, but they could use future picks to ensure they get their guy. A view of the Chargers backup QBs in recent years tells you that they have eyes on a more mobile option at QB. With their offense able to either transition into full rebuild mode or go all-in this offseason we may get an idea of their plans early in free agency. Given how aggressive the franchise has been through the first part of this offseason a small bet on them to draft Tagovailoa could return some value.

(0.5u) Carolina Panthers @ +5000

• The Panthers are likely to be looking for the heir apparent to Cam Newton this offseason

The reason we’re backing the Panthers

Backing the Panthers as an outside bet is quite simply because of a combination of their odds and the outside chance they decide to get aggressive in moving up from the seventh pick. Newton has been granted permission to seek a trade, and will likely do so in the coming weeks. The Panthers have plenty of holes to fill on their team, but they have seen as a franchise how a QB can transcend holes on the roster with the play of Newton over the years. The ideal situation for the Panthers would be to see other teams talk themselves out of Tagovailoa, letting him fall into their laps at the seventh pick. However, it would also not be surprising to see the Panthers use some draft capital this year and next to move up and snag a player that many see as a cornerstone of any franchise for years to come.