Tua Tagovailoa is the franchise quarterback the Miami Dolphins hoped he would be when they selected him with the fifth pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Tagovailoa has led the NFL in passer rating.

Tagovailoa has led the NFL in passing yards.

All Tua needs to do now is lead Miami to playoff wins. The Dolphins have not won a playoff game in a quarter-century. And no player is more important to that next step than Tua.

Why Tua Tagovailoa is No. 4

Tua, 26, was a Pro Bowl starter in 2023.

Coaches say his super powers are timing, anticipation and accuracy.

Tua worked himself into great physical condition this offseason and it's possible we see him extend more plays in 2024, which was a goal cited after last season by coach Mike McDaniel.

Tua fits well with Mike McDaniel's quick-passing offense, which is keyed by misdirection and pre-snap motion. Tyreek Hill has had his best seasons with Tua, not Patrick Mahomes.

Telling stat

4,624: Tua's passing yards in 2023. He was the first Dolphin since Dan Marino in 1992 to lead the league.

How we see Tua Tagovailoa's future

The Dolphins are committed to Tua as their quarterback of the future.

Tua will continue to try to stay healthy as he appeared in all 18 Miami games last season.

Tagovailoa will continue to grow into his leadership role. He is the face of the organization. And to an extent, the face of the entire city of Miami.

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins 2024: Our Top 20 player countdown rolls on with Tua Tagovailoa