by Cesar Fuentes (@_cesar_fuentes)
It's no secret to anyone that Tua missed several games due to concussion, and is considered by many to be a risk. So much so, that if it weren't for those concerns, Tua would be drafted as one of the top 10 Fantasy Football quarterbacks.
Tua shattered peoples fears that he is an inadequate passer in 2022, as he led all quarterbacks in passer rating (105.5), yards per attempt (8.9) and touchdown percentage (6.3 ) %)).
There is still a lot of room to grow, and Tua knows it. The team's talent is there, and it has one of the best receiving duos in the NFL in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The 'Cheetah,' as Hill is known, had more than 1,700 receiving yards last season on 119 catches. Waddle contributed 75 receptions, 8 touchdowns, and 1,356 yards.
Despite all the doubts, the Dolphins trust Tua so much, that they already exercised his fifth-year option, locking up the 2020 fifth overall pick, and guaranteeing him $23.2 million. He seems determined to make believers out of us all in 2023, showing up to camp in Miami with a much beefier figure. His new superhero physique didn't take long to draw the attention of journalists and fans.
One of his clear objectives this season, is to minimize blows to the head, especially those that lead to the skull hitting the turf squarely. In addition, he will also have a new helmet that was requested by the Dolphins, precisely with the intention to protect one of the leagues great stars as much as possible. The helmet will provide the opportunity for team staff to monitor Tua's every movement from a close distance, thanks to a camera installed in the helmet.
With only 13 games played, Tagovailoa finished 15th among quarterbacks in total fantasy points; eighth in points per game. He scored as a top 12 fantasy QB five times in 2022; in the top 6 four times.
I'm perplexed as to why Tua is one of the most hated players in fantasy football. Entering his second year in Mike McDaniel's offense, he should feel a lot more comfortable, allowing him to utilize the leagues most dangerous wide receiver duo to their full potential.
After drafting Devon Achane in the third round, it looks like the Dolphins will be one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Mike McDaniel is willing to throw the ball 30-40 times a game and is clearly committed to Tagovailoa. Should this offense reaches its full potential this season, there is no doubt that Tua will be the catalyst.
With a projected ADP of QB15, I buy and draft Tua wherever I can. In a superflex format, the quarterback is by far the most important position. If you can draft a pivotal quarterback with the 32nd pick, that's a great pick for me.
Having guys like CJ Stroud and Bryce Young over him is ridiculous. These two rookies haven't done anything but throw the ball in shorts and a t-shirt. Neither has potential to be a running threat, and both are in terrible situations.
2022-23 season:
Games w/a QB rating under 90:
4/15 27% Hurts
4/13 30.8%Tua
5/16 31.2% Burrow
6/17 35.3% Mahomes
Games w/a QB rating over 120:
5/13 38% Tua
4/15 27% Hurts
4/17 23.5% Mahomes
3/16 19% Burrow
QB rating on 3rd down:
130.1 Tua
112.2 Burrow
105.8 Mahomes
93 Hurts
The numbers don't lie, and if you pass on Tua in your fantasy draft this year, the truth you'll be confronted with, is that you could've won, had you only believed.
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