With their second-round selection, the Lions decided to go defense, but not corner or EDGE, they threw a curveball and went with linebacker Jahlani Tavai from Hawaii.
The Lions’ linebacking corps was an underrated need and looks like general manager Bob Quinn wanted to bring in players to help the depth. Probably one of the reasons why Tavai is almost an unknown to most is because of a shoulder injury he sustained during the season and kept him from working out this offseason, therefore not able to show off in front of scouts.
Tavai does process strong skills in sniffing out the play right at the line of scrimmage and stopping players dead in their tracks. Even though he may lack some strength he knows how to use his hands and has a relentless motor to get through and potentially tackle for a loss or sack the quarterback. His coverage skills could use some work, but he wasn’t asked to cover much while at Hawaii.
Tavai might have gone unnoticed for most people, but he has the athleticism to play multiple roles within the Lions linebacking corps. With his versatility, it’ll allow Coach Patricia to play multiple fronts and move everyone around to keep offenses guessing.
This may have left a lot of fans scratching thier heads, but Quinn is known for taking small-school prospects, i.e. Kenny Golladay and Tracy Walker, so this shouldn’t have come much of shock.
Even with the injury concerns, Tavai is one of those high ceiling players that have the versatility, athleticism, and production that will fit right in with what the Lions are looking to accomplish with their defense and possibly could fill — or allow Jarrad Davis to fill — a Dont’a Hightower type of role for the Detroit Lions.
