2020 NFL mock draft first round and fantasy impacts
By Raju Byfield
![INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington stands alongside quarterbacks Justin Herbert of Oregon, Joe Burrow of LSU and Jacob Eason of Washington during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington stands alongside quarterbacks Justin Herbert of Oregon, Joe Burrow of LSU and Jacob Eason of Washington during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/db3a47758d7cef3857d4acc70fd0e85473cfe9f8774aac7025b2f58b5c0150f7.jpg)
5th Overall: Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa (QB – Alabama)
Team Needs
Quarterback, Offensive Line, Running Back, Safety, Wide Receiver, Edge Rusher,
Picks: 5 (1st), 18 (1st), 26 (1st), 39 (2nd), 56 (2nd), 70 (3rd), 105 (3rd), 154 (5th), 163 (5th), 174 (5th), 179 (5th), 197 (6th), 228 (7th), 247 (7th)
The Miami Dolphins depth tanked for Tua, but were still unable to secure the number one pick, that’s how bad the teams picking ahead of them were. In a strange stroke of good fortune (for the Dolphins anyways) Tua suffered a season ending injury, and as a result of that and a historic season from someone most thought was a day three pick heading into the 2019 season, Joe Burrow passed him on the big boards of most NFL teams. The Dolphins can now plausibly land Tua at fifth overall, a pick that will be made the instant the Giants turn their pick in. Tua would likely redshirt his rookie season, as the Dolphins will look to protect their first franchise quarterback since Dan Marino.
Team Impact
Adding a player the caliber of Tua Tagovailoa will instantly change the way free agents look at the Miami Dolphins. Owner Stephen Ross is not going anywhere, but Brian Flores was a strong hire, and all of the questions about the Dolphins direction can be answered by a strong spring from the front office. With 14 picks to spend, the Dolphins will have the ammo to completely overhaul their roster, or to trade up to land multiple targets that may not have slid to them. Having an answer under center will allow the Dolphins to finally take a step toward becoming a true contender in the AFC East.
Fantasy Impact
The top quarterback prospect in the draft on talent alone, Tua would likely be going first overall if he did not suffer as season ending injury. Throwing before the draft could get him drafted in the top three, so the Dolphins may be forced into trading up if Tua is indeed their man. Tua will redshirt his rookie season if drafted by the Miami Dolphins, and as such has little to no redraft value outside of the deepest of leagues. In dynasty leagues he should be viewed as a QB1 despite having no clear path to starts in year one. The Dolphins should inject a major infusion of talent into their offense this offseason, and Tua will be the one to reap the rewards. The addition of Tua will be good news for Preston Williams, Davante Parker, and whatever skill players the Dolphins add during free agency and the NFL Draft.
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