Jahlani Tavai is a bit of a mystery for most Lions fans. Playing at Hawaii doesn’t exactly give him much exposure in the Eastern time zone. Fittingly, his conference call following his selection by the Lions was more of a “getting to know you” event than any more specific questions.
Tavai was selected by the team with the No. 43 overall pick on Friday night. He was on the phone with reporters a short time later.
“Oh, I love it,” Tavai responded in his conference call when asked about what he knew about Detroit’s defense. “I love the defense because you never know what they’re running in. From the film that I’ve watched on the defense, the Lions stunt a lot. I love that they bring pressure on the quarterback a lot. That’s good.”
Tavai lined up all over the Hawaii defense in linebacker roles, including some EDGE rusher looks. He’s familiar with playing multiple LB roles in the same game, a trait which likely endeared him to Lions coach Matt Patricia.
He’s not sure yet where he’ll play in the ‘multiple’ front, but he’s ready.
“I’m not sure, but from what I know, inside ’backer was my primary position. I believe that that’s going to be where Day One starts.”
