ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky compared quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders to Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
“Tua is my comp in many ways for Shedeur Sanders – great ball placement, rhythm and timing, super smart, anticipatory thrower,” Orlovsky said.
Sanders, who starred at the University of Colorado Boulder over the last two seasons, completed 74.0 percent of his passes in the 2024 campaign, which led all FBS players.
In addition to that, the star quarterback threw for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions across 13 games. He averaged 318.0 passing yards per game and 8.7 yards per pass attempt.
It’ll be interesting to see if Sanders is taken as high in the 2025 NFL Draft as Tagovailoa was taken back in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Dolphins selected Tagovailoa out of the University of Alabama with the No. 5 overall pick.
Tagovailoa has put together some solid seasons in Miami, but injuries have also played a big part in his career. Last season, the former first-round pick was limited to just 11 games. Still, Tagovailoa completed an NFL-best 72.9 percent of his passes for 2,867 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
In the 2023 season, arguably his best in the NFL, Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards (4,624) and took the Dolphins to the playoffs. The 2023 campaign is the only time in his career that he’s suited up in every one of the Dolphins’ regular season games.
While Miami has not won a playoff game since Tagovailoa joined the franchise, it should have plenty of chances to do that in the future.
Tagovailoa is under contract with the Dolphins through the 2028 season after signing a four-year, $212.4 million extension with the franchise.
There are several teams that could consider taking a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, including the Tennessee Titans (who have the No. 1 overall pick), the Cleveland Browns (who have the No. 2 overall pick) and the New York Giants (who have the No. 3 overall pick).
New York did sign veterans Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson this offseason, but it’s possible that could be a spot for Sanders to learn and develop as a rookie.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Colorado star can live up to Orlovsky’s projection for him at the next level.
