As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Jets are considering quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa as a potential backup option in the later rounds.
According to Brian Costello of The New York Post, in his latest mock draft released shortly before the event, the Jets are projected to select star receiver Rome Odunze in the first round and running back Braelon Allen in the fourth round. Additionally, Costello predicts that the Jets will use their final seventh-round pick to acquire Tagovailoa, who is the younger brother of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Costello remarked, “This would be a fun story. The Jets need to add a third quarterback as a developmental guy behind Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor. Taking a player with a famous last name would add some intrigue.”
Regarding Taulia Tagovailoa’s scouting report, while he may not possess the same potential as his older brother, he remains an intriguing prospect for this year’s draft.
Coming out of high school as a highly regarded pro-style quarterback, Tagovailoa initially enrolled at his brother’s alma mater before transferring to Maryland after one year.
During his time at Maryland, Tagovailoa established himself as the program’s all-time leader in various passing categories, starting 41 games and amassing impressive stats.
However, at 5’11” and 200 pounds, Tagovailoa is undersized for the quarterback position, and at 24 years old, he lacks the arm strength and consistent mechanics of other top QB prospects in this draft.
Nevertheless, Tagovailoa possesses athleticism and the ability to extend plays with his legs. He also demonstrates proficiency in placing the ball in tight windows when throwing rhythmically.
While he may need to refine his mechanics to compensate for his physical limitations, Tagovailoa could be a valuable developmental project as a backup quarterback.
