The Detroit Lions‘ 2019 second-round pick, Jahlani Tavai, has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the veteran linebacker did not work out with the Lions, it is hard to call his draft selection a dud as he enters his eighth season in the NFL.
The Jaguars will be the third team that Tavai signs with.
Former Detroit Lions Draft Pick Jahlani Tavai Signs With Jacksonville Jaguars
GettyLinebacker Jahlani
Tavai was a bit of a surprise selection when the Lions took him 43rd overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, then head coach Matt Patricia had a specific plan for his team, and it involved a versatile player like Tavai.
Tavai was expected to fall in the draft because he was a bit of a tweener. He was bigger than a typical linebacker, but a bit too small to consistently play on the edge.
Patricia was correct that his role would be valued, but he was not able to get the most out of him with the Lions.
Tavai started in six games and had 58 tackles and two sacks in his rookie season. He started 10 games in his second season, but still totaled 58 tackles without any sacks. Patricia was fired, and the new regime featuring Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes did not keep him.
They released him, but he followed Patricia to the New England Patriots, where they both were able to revive their careers.
He did not make much noise in his first year with the team, but became a starter in his second year with the Patriots. He totaled 69 tackles and 1.5 sacks, highlighting his best year yet.
Then, he set more career-highs in 2023. He totaled 110 tackles and a sack. Tavai found a role that suited him. He continued that success in 2024 despite a coaching change. Still with Jerod Mayo, he was in the same defense. He notched 115 tackles and a career-high seven tackles for loss.
However, when Mike Vrabel came in as the head coach, he was not needed as much. He dropped to seven starts and 42 total tackles. So, the team moved on from him. Tavai is only 30 years old, so he has a real chance to fit onto the Jaguars’ roster.
Lions Do Not Need Jahlani Tavai, and Tavai Did Not Need Them
While it is good to see the Lions draft pick continue his career after a questionable start, the team does not need him. He essentially plays the role that they use Derrick Barnes in now. The linebacker can play off of the ball on early downs and add a big run defender in the box.
However, on passing downs, he can slide out to the edge and help with the pass rush. The Lions also have Trevor Nowaske, who is two years younger than Tavai and entering his fourth year with the team.
So, it ended up working out for both sides. The Lions filled the role and found success. Meanwhile, Tavai was able to pull out seven seasons in the NFL, going on eight despite being labeled a bust after his second season.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Former Lions Second-Round Pick Signs With AFC Contender appeared first on HEAVY.