Detroit Lions: 5 NFL draft prospects worth tanking for

Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

When looking back at the 2020 NFL Draft years from now, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa might be the one name everyone remembers. Of course, what Tua is remembered for is the big question. Is he a future Hall of Famer or the biggest bust in draft history? Regardless, his possible presence in this draft class is a massive storyline.

Although Matthew Stafford has proven himself to be a reliable and proficient quarterback for the Lions, he’s also been in the NFL for a decade now. And the injuries are starting to pile up. His future health should be a major concern this offseason following two years of back issues.

But drafting a quarterback could be more about value than replacing Stafford under center. Alabama’s Tagovailoa is certainly the most intriguing name, but others like Oregon’s Justin Herbert or LSU’s Joe Burrow are passers who could easily fall into Detroit’s lap in the first round.

Let’s not underestimate the wheeling and dealing aspects of the draft here. The Lions could find their coveted player off the board by the time their number gets selected. And if they decided to try to obtain more draft ammunition, they could surprise everyone and selected a quarterback despite the presence of Stafford.

And Tagovailoa is the most intriguing of the bunch. His recent hip injury has certainly hurt his draft stock. But there is also the belief he has the talent to be the top overall selection in this class. The numbers speak for themselves: 7,442 passing yards, 87 touchdowns, and only 11 total interceptions in three years for arguably the top collegiate program. That kind of pedigree may make quarterback-desperate NFL franchises give up a king’s ransom for Tua.

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