Detroit Lions: Does high praise from Trent Dilfer warrant another look at Tua?
By Robert Jones
![TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 09: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a pass during the first half against the LSU Tigers in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 09: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a pass during the first half against the LSU Tigers in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f73f41fe5672967d1aaedfcd3b2812067e668b2effe9c016751ed33b76eb7f24.jpg)
The Detroit Lions are not expected to use the number three pick to select Tua Tagovailoa, but should they think twice after Trent 0Dilfer’s high praise?
The Detroit Lions are busily preparing for the NFL’s first virtual draft in less than two weeks. A draft that will help dictate the course this franchise will head in the future.
There are many trains of thought when it comes to the Lions’ first pick, but the big divide seems to be between the fans who want general manager Bob Quinn to select former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the others who want a premium defensive player.
The other factor that can’t be ignored is that Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia have been given the mandate to win now. Or perhaps more to the point, contend for the playoffs.
Most of the media and fans don’t believe that Tagovailoa is a very high possibility for the Lions’ top pick at all. Given the win now circumstances, using that high of a pick to select a player who would either spend the season on the bench learning the game or having to try to carry a roster that not even Matthew Stafford could carry last season despite his brilliant play until the back injury, isn’t very feasible.
If we also toss in how bad the Lions defense was, then it seems to be a no-brainer that Quinn should get an elite defender to help out his team. Something the Lions can get at number three or even at number five or six if they trade back with the Dolphins or Chargers.
Quite frankly when you look at it from that perspective it seems like it would be professional suicide for Quinn to even consider Tagovailoa. Yet in light of the recent high praise that Trent Dilfer gave Tua, is it worth Quinn taking another long look at the former Alabama star?