The Detroit Lions, one of the oldest and most respected NFL franchises, had a rough 2018-2019 season. They finished with a 6-10 record and were looking to improve their roster in the 2019 NFL Draft. With the eighth pick in the second round, they selected a player who would become a key part of their team: Jahlani Tavai.
Tavai, a linebacker from the University of Hawaii, was a bit of a surprise pick for many fans and analysts. However, the Lions saw something in him that they liked, and they were willing to take a chance on him. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Tavai and how he has fared in his first few seasons with the Lions.
The Draft Pick
When the Lions selected Tavai with the 43rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, many people were confused. Tavai was seen as a bit of a reach, and there were other players on the board who were seen as more highly-regarded. However, the Lions had done their homework on Tavai and saw him as a player who could help their defense immediately.
Tavai was a standout linebacker at the University of Hawaii. He was a three-year starter and was named first-team All-Mountain West Conference in both 2017 and 2018. He was also a team captain and a leader on and off the field. The Lions saw these intangibles as valuable assets and believed that Tavai had the potential to be a great player in the NFL.
The Rookie Season
Tavai's rookie season got off to a bit of a slow start. He was used primarily as a rotational player early in the season and didn't see a lot of snaps. However, as the season went on, Tavai began to see more playing time and started to make an impact.
One of Tavai's strengths is his versatility. He can play inside or outside linebacker, and he's also able to rush the passer and drop back into coverage. This versatility allowed the Lions to use him in a variety of ways, and he was able to make plays all over the field.
The Breakout Season
Tavai's second season with the Lions was a breakout year for him. He started all 16 games and finished the season with 92 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was also named the Lions' defensive rookie of the year.
Tavai's improvement from his rookie season to his second year was noticeable. He was more confident and comfortable on the field, and he was able to make more plays. He also showed that he was a leader on the field, calling out plays and making sure his teammates were in the right position.
The Future
Tavai's future with the Lions is bright. He's shown that he has the potential to be a great player in the NFL, and he's only going to get better with more experience. He's also still on his rookie contract, which means that the Lions have him locked up for at least a few more seasons.
Overall, the Lions' decision to draft Jahlani Tavai in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft was a smart one. Tavai has shown that he has the potential to be a star in the NFL, and he's only going to get better with more experience. Lions fans should be excited about the future of their defense with Tavai leading the way.
The Final Word
Jahlani Tavai may not have been the most popular pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, but he's proven that he belongs in the NFL. His versatility, leadership, and work ethic have made him a valuable asset to the Detroit Lions, and he's only going to get better with time. Lions fans should be excited about what the future holds for Tavai and their team.
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