Report: Dolphins may prefer Justin Herbert over Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins have the fifth overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and they are widely expected to target a quarterback at that spot. However, it may not be the quarterback most had in mind.

Some in the Dolphins organization are higher on former Oregon star Justin Herbert than they are on Tua Tagovailoa, Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald reports. Miami team officials do not yet view Tagovailoa as a can’t-miss prospect for the top of the draft, but they are said to have an “increasingly positive view” of Herbert.

The Dolphins are understandably concerned about Tagovailoa’s ability to stay healthy long-term, as the hip injury he is recovering from is not the only medical issue he has had. The former Alabama star also suffered more than one significant ankle injury and some other ailments during his time in Tuscaloosa. Health is the biggest reason Tagovailoa could fall in the draft.

As for Herbert, some with the Dolphins like his 6-foot-6 size and mobility. One source also told Salguero that the team appreciated the way Herbert chose to showcase his skills in the Senior Bowl even though he probably didn’t have to. That shows he is motivated to impress NFL teams and is a competitive player, as he almost certainly would have been a first-round pick even without taking part.

We probably won’t know how things are going to fall with Tagovailoa and Herbert until draft day. While Herbert may be the safer pick strictly because of health concerns, he will undoubtedly be a less popular choice than Tagovailoa. It’s also worth noting that one prominent analyst recently ranked Tagovailoa as the best QB in the draft, ahead of Joe Burrow.

With the Detroit Lions picking at No. 3 and also possibility eyeing a quarterback, it would not be a surprise if the Dolphins attempt to move up to make sure they get their guy. We just don’t know if that guy will be Tagovailoa or Herbert.