I can understand how it can be challenging for some to keep their calendars straight these days.
In fact, I’ll fess up and admit I have my own issues in that department, too. Thankfully, the football calendar continues to chug along as usual, specifically when it comes to the upcoming NFL Draft. Between now and April 24, draft news and nuggets will spill out regarding many of the top prospects. But none will be more anticipated than any morsel of information regarding Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, especially if the news is positive.
Such as this:
From me and @RapSheet: Today, #Bama QB Tua Tagovailoa participated voluntarily in a medical re-check facilitated by the NFL Combine with an independent doctor that was selected by NFL team physicians, per Tua’s reps. Results were "were overwhelmingly positive."
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 2, 2020
NFL Network insiders Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport report that Tagovailoa’s voluntary medical re-check from the NFL Combine has returned with “overwhelmingly positive” results, per Tua’s camp. Obviously, Tagovailoa’s representation was going to share any positive news regarding their client, whose college career was cut short due to a serious hip injury. But this seems better than a run-of-the-mill thumbs up update.
To further push the positive vibes, Tagovailoa told NFL Network in an exclusive interview he feels 100 percent.
“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,” Tagovailoa said. “I feel as mobile as possible. I feel 100 percent.”
If Tagovailoa has full medical clearance and is a full-go from a heath standpoint, his draft status will not change. Because even with medical questions, Tagovailoa has remained in the discussion of being a top-10 pick throughout the pre-draft process. Tagovailoa would have been in the running to go first overall if not for (1) medical-related red flags and (2) Joe Burrow skyrocketing up draft charts with his Heisman Trophy winning 2019 performance.
I have a feeling that we’ll hear a lot about Tagovailoa over the next few weeks. The draft essentially starts when Burrow goes off the board to Cincinnati with the first pick and Chase Young follows going to Washington with the second overall selection. From there, Detroit goes on the clock and the fun begins. And if the positive reports continue to flow, then Tagovailoa won’t have to wait long to hear his name called on draft night, as teams could be burning up the Lions’ phone Ines in order to move up and select a top tier quarterback prospect.