97.1 The Ticket -- If Tua Tagovailoa had to take the field for a game today, he says he'd feel just fine doing so.
Tagovailoa is widely considered one of the top players available in the upcoming NFL Draft, but many are wary of the hip injury that cut his season short last fall. He had his hip surgically repaird last November and has been on the road to recovering in time for the draft.
Last week he was moving around quite ably in videos he posted to Instagram, in hopes of quelling those concerns over his health. Now he's saying he'd feel like his old self if he had to play a game today.
"I feel 100 percent," Tagovailoa told NFL Network on Wednesday. "I feel like if there was a game today, I'd be able to go out and perform the same way I was able to perform in previous years. I feel as mobile as possible. I feel 100 percent."
Practicing social distancing with the long ball today. Feels good to spin it again.---- #Process
A post shared by TAGOVAILOA-------- (@tuamaann_) on Mar 23, 2020 at 6:48pm PDT
Tagovailoa -- who has been medically cleared with no restrictions, according to his agent -- is widely projected to be the second quarterback off the board in the draft, behind LSU's Joe Burrow, who many expect to be drafted No. 1 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals.
And with most mock drafts -- but not all -- projecting former Ohio State defensive end Chase Young to go No. 2 overall to the Washington Redskins, Tagovailoa could be available with the draft pick currently owned by the Lions. A report out of the NFL Combine in February says there's virtually "no chance" the Lions will draft Tagovailoa, meaning they are likely in the market for a trade partner with the third pick.
Demand for the former Crimson Tide QB could be increasing with his latest comments and videos. Teams like the Miami Dolphins or Los Angeles Chargers, or even the Jacksonville Jaguars, could be looking to jump up and snag him. If he can continue to dispell the doubts about his hip health, the price tag could be driven up, which means the Lions could get more in return, if not entertain the idea of actually drafting him.
Tagovailoa racked up 7,442 yards and 87 touchdowns over parts of three seasons with the Crimson Tide. He helped lead Alabama to the 2017 national championship and brought them back in 2018, only to fall short against Clemson. Tagovailoa had things rolling in Tuscaloosa again this year, with eyes on the College Football Playoff, when he got hurt late in the second half against Mississippi State.
His injury allowed Burrow to ascend to the top prize of this year's draft class, and Tagovailoa has been working to get back into shape. Now that he's been cleared for all activities, he is running workouts with former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer. Though he didn't divulge which teams he has met with virtually, he says his meetings are limited to one team per day and his calendar has been full, according to NFL.com:
Most of the conversations have centered more on football, as opposed to his health, Tagovailoa added.
"I have no control over the circumstance or situation," he said. "If I was healthy, if I wasn't, I would have no control. So, the best thing I can do is continue to work. Whatever team decides to choose me, I would be grateful."
Tagovailoa's health will continue to be a major talking point in the days leading up to the draft, but if he truly is healthy and continues to impress, that can only help the Lions -- even if they don't intend on drafting him.
