The Detroit Lions have selected linebacker Jahlani Tavai (6-3, 250) with the 43rd pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Tavani’s shoulder injury kept him from working out this offseason (therefore no QIB rating) but he excels in run defense and can play both off-the-ball linebacker spots for the Lions.
Tavai has flown under the radar because of his injury, but he has the athleticism to hang in the middle and allow Jarrad Davis to shift into more of a hybrid pass rushing role where he can pass rush from different areas of the field.
With Davis, Christian Jones and now Tavai in the fold, the Lions can rotate three linebackers through two spots confidently as well as deploy four linebackers in situations when they want to give more 34 base defensive looks.
After selecting tight end T.J. Hockenson with the 8th overall pick on Thursday, and Tavai with this selection, the Lions still have pick No. 88 in the third round tonight and the following picks remaining tomorrow:
| Round 3 | Pick 24 | 88 Overall |
| Round 4 | Pick 9 | 111 Overall |
| Round 5 | Pick 8 | 146 Overall |
| Round 6 | Pick 11 | 184 Overall |
| Round 6 | Pick 30 | 204 Overall |
| Round 7 | Pick 10 | 224 Overall |
| Round 7 | Pick 20 | 229 Overall |
