NFL Roundtable: Tua Tagovailoa's draft stock is slipping

Every week we sit down with BetAmerica Extra columnists Ashley Anderson, James Scully and Scott Shapiro to discuss the latest news from around the NFL. This week they weigh in on Matt Ryan's legacy, Tua Tagovailoa's draft prospects and Colin Kaepernick's future.

Matt Ryan moved into 10th place on the NFL's all-time passing list Sunday. Is he a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame?

Ashley: If he had held on for the Super Bowl LI title, the answer would be obvious. Unfortunately for Ryan the Patriots put him on the wrong side of history. Everyone ahead of Ryan on the all-time passing list is either a current Hall of Famer or a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. Ryan should end up in Canton, as well, but I’m not ready to call it a “shoo-in.”

James: Matt Ryan is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. He lacks a Super Bowl win and may not get in on the first ballot, but the 2016 MVP will retire as one of the most successful quarterbacks statistically because of his longevity.

Scott: Moving into the top 10 on the NFL’s all-time passing list should solidify Matt Ryan’s place in the Hall of Fame. The four retired quarterbacks in that group all have a spot in Canton (Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Dan Marino and John Elway), and those who are still active all seem to be locks, as well. Ryan is not one of the best to ever play, and a Super Bowl win would have bolstered his résumé, but he should be good to go nonetheless.

Is Tua Tagovailoa still a top-10 draft pick after he suffered his third lower-body injury?

Ashley: I expect his draft stock to drop. Tagovailoa had surgery Monday to repair his hip, and doctors said his prognosis is “excellent,” but I still believe scouts will fear his long-term future. It’s unfortunate to see it happen to a bright young star in college football, but he will have a long road ahead to prove he is still worthy of a top-10 draft pick.

James: It depends on medical reports. Tagovailoa will not be the top pick, and injuries will be a major concern going forward. However, it's difficult for me to envision teams with a high draft pick—and a need at quarterback—passing on him if he receives a positive bill of health.

Scott: Tagovailoa is unlikely to be drafted with the first few picks in the 2020 NFL Draft if he declares, but I still expect him to go in the top 10. Despite the disappointing news that his season is over at Alabama, Tagovailoa received good news Monday, when he underwent successful surgery in Houston. The southpaw is expected to make a full recovery, which makes him a risky but high-upside selection.

Colin Kaepernick showed he can still play during his highly publicized workout. What are the odds he'll be on an NFL roster next season?

Ashley: There is too much of a circus surrounding the NFL’s handling of Kaepernick’s workout and his subsequent response. Teams will be even more reluctant to sign him because of the potential distraction. Still, with Mitch Trubisky’s questionable play and Jameis Winston continuing to throw the ball to the other team, either Chicago or Tampa Bay could become an excellent home for Kaepernick. But I don’t think it’s going to happen.

James: Low, in my estimation. Kaepernick remains good enough to be on an NFL roster (in at least a backup capacity), but he would be a major distraction, and it's fair to question his desire to be in the league. I do not think it will happen.

Scott: Kaepernick certainly has the talent to be in the NFL, but I doubt any team will add him to its roster next season. The media circus that comes with the former 49er just seems like it would be too much to deal with. It would take a desperate franchise to bring him in.

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