The moment when an NFL rookie finds out he’s been selected to his first NFL team on draft night is one of the most magical moments you can capture in the offseason of any sport. Surrounded by his family, the pomp and circumstance of the NFL Draft often leads to big celebrations and even bigger group hugs. But in these unordinary times, the 2020 NFL Draft’s general manager to player exchanges are much more intimate.
There’s no high five-ing in the draft room. No roars from living rooms packed with dozens of family and friends. It’s the general manager, the player and his immediate family. That’s about it.
Which makes the exchange between Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and new Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa that much more surreal to watch. Because as a fanbase that has been starved for star power at the quarterback position finally received it, the formal exchange was anything but pomp and circumstance.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have you here, man. Hey, this is step one.”
The Dolphins’ objective after drafting Tagovailoa was quickly apparent when the team came back on the clock at pick No. 18. Build a wall for their new quarterback. Miami, like Tagovailoa, could hardly wait to get to work — so much so that the team’s very next selection at pick No. 18 was a new offensive tackle to push Julien Davenport out of the left tackle spot in the starting lineup.
