Miami Dolphins Land Possible Tua Tagovailoa Replacement in Latest NFL Mock Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 6:22 PM ET

With the NFL draft just a few days away, insiders are still attempting to forecast what looks to be one of the more unpredictable drafts in recent memory.

Much of the confusion about how things will unfold is due to the lack of consensus at the quarterback position. While there may have been a couple of disagreements in last year's draft, there was a common understanding that Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels were each top-tier quarterbacks. Something that cannot be said for this year's class.

With so many teams desperate for a quarterback but few viable options to go early in the first round, some NFL franchises may pass on taking that risk so early. This could lead to players at other positions vaulting up draft boards, while quarterbacks take a bit of a tumble.

With quarterbacks expected to fall, it could allow for a team like the Miami Dolphins to find an adequate backup or future replacement for Tua Tagovailoa, who has missed 14 regular-season games in five years, without having to reach for someone. Something that ESPN's Jordan Reid predicted in the latest mock draft.

Reid forecasted that the Dolphins would take Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, who was once viewed as a contender for the No. 1 overall pick before injuries derailed his hype this past season. Although he has had some injury issues of his own, Ewers is a precise passer who knows what it takes to live up to hype.

As a recruit, Ewers tied for the highest ranking in 247Sports' history, and in a way became the face of NIL after he skipped his senior year and reclassified from 2022 to 2021. After starting his career at Ohio State, Ewers transferred to Texas, where he revived what had been a struggling program for over a decade.

He led Texas to its first conference title since 2009, first College Football Playoff appearance, first SEC Championship Game appearance and first two College Football Playoff wins. He also departed the program as one of the most accomplished passers in program history.

Had it not been for injuries, Ewers likely would have been vying for the top spot in the draft. However, he will have to take a different avenue to NFL stardom.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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