1/30/2024 football Edit

Tagovailoa named among top 200 draft prospects by Pro Football Focus

Scott Greene • TerrapinSportsReport

Publisher

A four-year starter for the Terps who finished his college career as the Big Ten's all-time leader in passing yards, Taulia Tagovailoa is off to the pro ranks and among the top 200 NFL draft prospects, according to Pro Football Focus.

Tagovailoa, who began his college career at Alabama before transferring to Maryland after head coach Mike Locksley got the job, initially entered the transfer portal in early January, applying for an NCAA waiver that would allow him a sixth year of eligibility.

The NCAA denied Tagovailoa's waiver in mid-January, thus ending his college career as he began his preparation for the NFL draft.

While draft stock can vary and change drastically between now and April, it is always good to be mentioned among the top players, as PFF has Tagovailoa ranked No. 186 among their top 200 draft prospects.

Tagovailoa is the 11th quarterback listed out of 12 total and one of two Big Ten quarterbacks listed, along with Michigan's J.J. McCarthy.

Tagovailoa will have the chance to further improve his stock this Thursday, Feb. 1 at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he is among the six quarterbacks down in Frisco, Texas participating in this week's event after replacing former Washington State quarterback Cam Ward who decided to transfer to Miami.

The two-time second team All-Big Ten performer has had his moments during the three days of practice leading up to Thursday's game, according to Pro Football Network's Ian Cummings, who had this to say:

Taulia Tagovailoa had his good moments on Day 3 of Shrine Bowl practices. His mobility stood out as a plus, as did his awareness and check-down IQ on rollouts. In particular, he placed an out-route touchdown to Blake Watson well. He also had a nice trajectory on a boundary bucket throw — although good coverage from Qwan’tez Stiggers nullified the play.

— Pro Football Network's Ian Cummings

Joining Tagovailoa among PFF's top 200 draft prospects is former Terps safety Beau Brade, who came in at No. 127 on the list.

A two-time honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, Brade led the Terps in tackles the past two seasons while also recording 11 pass breakups, eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three interceptions during that stretch.

Brade will participate in the Reese's Senior Bowl this Sunday, Feb. 3 in Mobile, Ala. with the first practices taking place on Tuesday. He is rated as the No. 2 safety participating in this year's Senior Bowl, according to Pro Football Network's Owain Jones, who had this to say about Brade:

Athletic, versatile, instinctive, and physical, Beau Brade is a walking advertisement for the safety position. He is an extremely well-rounded prospect who can start immediately at the next level. When coming downhill, Brade displays his toughness and physicality while also showing his strength to wrap up tackles. Then, when in coverage, the Maryland safety shows incredible instincts. His anticipation and awareness to read and react and his physicality and athleticism to nullify the play are very exciting. A true three-down safety who you can trust to stay high in the secondary, Brade could go a lot earlier than some recognize.

— Pro Football Network's Owain Jones

Joining Tagovailoa in the Shrine Bowl will be former Terps offensive lineman Gottlieb Ayedze along with defensive backs Tarheeb Still and Ja'Quan Sheppard.

Joining Brade in the Reese's Senior Bowl is former Terps offensive lineman DJ Glaze.