Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Jahlani Tavai (Hawaii) - 2019 NFL Draft Pick #43 by DET

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Jahlani Tavai (2019 NFL Draft)

College: University of Hawaii

Position: Linebacker

Overview

Jahlani Tavai was regarded as a versatile and athletic linebacker coming out of the University of Hawaii. His ability to play both inside and outside linebacker made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to shore up their defensive units.

Strengths

• Physicality: Tavai is known for his aggressive playing style and physical presence on the field. He is capable of shedding blocks and making tackles in traffic.
• Versatility: He has experience playing multiple linebacker positions, which allows him to fit into various defensive schemes.
• Instincts: Tavai exhibits strong football instincts, enabling him to diagnose plays quickly and react effectively.
• Pass Rush Ability: He has shown the ability to rush the passer, adding an extra dimension to his game.
• Leadership: As a team captain, Tavai has demonstrated leadership qualities that can benefit a young defensive unit.

Weaknesses

• Coverage Skills: While Tavai has decent athleticism, his coverage skills and ability to handle faster, more athletic receivers in space have been questioned.
• Inconsistent Tackling: At times, Tavai can be inconsistent with his tackling technique, leading to missed tackles.
• Injury History: He has dealt with injuries during his college career, which could raise concerns for NFL teams regarding his durability.

Overall Projection

Jahlani Tavai was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft. His combination of physicality, versatility, and leadership made him a valuable asset for teams looking to enhance their linebacker corps. With proper coaching and development, Tavai had the potential to become a solid contributor at the professional level.

Comparison

Tavai's playing style drew comparisons to other successful linebackers who excelled in both run defense and pass coverage, making him a player to watch as he transitioned to the NFL.