Jahlani
Tavai.
Jahlani
Tavai.
Hawaii· 6'2"· 250 lb
The Lions run a base 4-3 defense, although they'll show multiple fronts and play with a sub-package more often than not.
Year 1 rotational LB with experience as a special teams player and eventual ceiling as a starting traditional 4-3 inside linebacker.
He would be a poor fit for a speed priority 4-3 defense that emphasizes small, quick linebackers.
A big, strong thumper who excels working inside and downhill and is a throwback to previous eras of linebacking thanks to his exceptional size.
Selected #43 overall in Round 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft by Detroit Lions out of Hawaii.
Relative Athletic Score (Kent Lee Platte) benchmarks combine/pro-day numbers against every measured prospect at the position since 1987. 10.00 is elite; 5.00 is average.
— No athletic data recorded
| Yr | Team | G | Tkl | Sk | Int | PD | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Hawai'i | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | Hawai'i | 14 | 128 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 | Hawai'i | 12 | 124 | 5.5 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 | Hawai'i | 8 | 82 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Career | — | 47 | 334 | 14.5 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
A dash means the figure is not published by a source we trust — never a zero we invented.
Everything above is the pre-draft evaluation. This section is what actually happened — updated year over year.
Jahlani Tavai has played linebacker for the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots, evolving from a rotational player to a more significant role, particularly with the Patriots.