The 2019 NFL Draft was an exciting time for Detroit Lions fans. With the 8th overall pick, the team took Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson, who was expected to make an immediate impact. But it was the team's second pick, in the second round, that has proven to be just as important. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Detroit Lions second round pick 2019 and how he has performed over the last few years.
The Pick: Jahlani Tavai
With the 43rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected linebacker Jahlani Tavai out of the University of Hawaii. Many fans were surprised by the pick, as Tavai was not one of the more well-known prospects in the draft. However, the Lions clearly saw something in him that they liked.
At 6'2" and 250 pounds, Tavai has the size and strength to play inside linebacker in the NFL. He was a productive player in college, racking up 390 tackles, 16.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions over four seasons. While he may not have been a household name, Tavai was known for his hard-hitting style of play and his ability to read offenses.
Ups and Downs
Tavai's rookie season got off to a bit of a rocky start. He missed some time early on due to a shoulder injury, and when he did play, he struggled at times. He finished the season with 58 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in 15 games. While those numbers aren't terrible, they didn't exactly live up to the expectations that come with being a second round pick.
However, Tavai showed flashes of potential throughout the season. He had a standout game in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, recording 8 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. He also had a strong game in Week 9 against the Oakland Raiders, notching 6 tackles and a sack.
A Promising Future
Despite some early struggles, Tavai showed enough promise in his rookie season to give Lions fans hope for the future. He is still just 25 years old and has plenty of time to develop into a top-tier linebacker in the NFL.
One thing that has been clear from the start is that Tavai has the work ethic and attitude necessary to succeed in the league. He is known for his dedication to film study and his willingness to learn from his mistakes. With a full offseason to work on his game, Tavai could be in for a breakout season in 2021.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Detroit Lions second round pick 2019 has been a bit of a mixed bag so far. While he has shown flashes of potential, he has also had his fair share of struggles. However, there is reason to be optimistic about Tavai's future with the team. With his work ethic and dedication to improving, he has all the tools to become a standout linebacker in the NFL.
Only time will tell how Tavai's career will ultimately pan out, but for now, Lions fans should be excited about the potential that he brings to the team.
Komentar
Posting Komentar