One of the biggest surprises in the 2019 NFL Draft for fans of the Detroit Lions was the selection of Hawaii linebacker Jahlani Tavai. In fact, NFL.com Columnist Adam Schein called the second round pick of Tavai a big-time reach and even referenced a billboard in the Motor City that once read: “Rebuilding since 1957”. Ouch.
Still, the Lions’ front office stand by the selection of Tavai. It’s all part of their grand plan to find players better suited for second-year head coach Matt Patricia’s multiple defense that he brought with him from his time as the New England Patriots’ defensive coordinator.