The Miami Dolphins believe in Tua Tagovailoa. It was evident when they handed him a four year, $212 million extension before this season. Well-deserved, as Tagovailoa was coming off of his first Pro Bowl season where he led the league in passing with 4,624 yards. 2023 was also Tagovailoa's first fully-healthy season, as he's missed time in each year prior.
It wasn't the same in 2024, as a scary head injury early on caused the Dolphins star to miss four games. From now on, the Dolphins have to go into every season knowing Tagovailoa is bound to miss some games. This means they'll need to find a viable backup option that can come in and win them games if a similar situation arises.
Jacob Infante of Pro Football Network released his seven-round mock draft, with the Dolphins selecting Heisman candidate Dillon Gabriel with the No.116 pick in the fourth round.
Gabriel has had a rollercoaster of a college career, spending six years with three different programs. The first three were at UCF, where he put up an incredible 70 touchdowns and 14 interceptions with 8,037.
He then transferred to Oklahoma, spending two years in the Big 12 and playing well once again. Gabriel put up 6,828 yards with 55 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in two seasons with the Sooners. Then comes this past year at Oregon, where Gabriel put together his Heisman-worthy campaign. He threw for 3, 558 yards with 28 touchdowns to just six interceptions.
The Dolphins would have a Hawaiian quarterback room, as both Tagovailoa and Gabriel both grew up there. Not only that, but Miami would be gaining a college quarterback with 63 starts under his belt and plenty of experience to transfer to the NFL.
