Post by D6 on Apr 27, 2019 21:22:47 GMT -5
2019 NFL draft: Detroit Lions select Hawaii LB Jahlani Tavai in second round
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This thread relates to the following threads:
Round 2 and Round 3 options for the Lions ( 2019 )
Mock Draft ( 2019 ) - DLF Members
NFL Draft Preview: Linebackers ( 2019 )
The selection of LB Jahlani Tavai is the greatest surprise on this end, regarding a Lions draft selection in the 2nd Round of a draft this decade. I gave a little thought to putting Tavai in the latter part of the 3rd Round in my Mock Draft. In the end, I thought he would probably go in Round 4 or Round 5. The highest I saw Tavai rated was in the lower half of Round 2. . Another draft analyst had him in the lower part of Round 3 ( # pick # 86 ). I have yet to see anyone who rated him as high as pick # 43.
In listening to Bob Quinn discuss the Lions Day 2 Draft choices, it's evident that from the perspective of the Lions brass, Tavai has a skill set that isn't common. Because of the skill set, including the emphasis the Lions put on versatility, Quinn decided not to trade down from pick # 43. My take is because the Patriots had several Day 2 picks, Quinn was concerned the Patriots could easily end up with Tavai. In addition to the Patriots reportedly having interest in Tavai, the Eagles did as well.
Tavai likely will see action at a traditional off the ball LB position and as an edge setter. The Patriots have put a premium on size at LB. This is clearly something that the Lions value. Tavai has the build of a throw back LB that in today's NFL would be two down run defending type of LB. Yet, Quinn and Matt Patricia also clearly envision him as an edge pass rusher and as a blitzer. With coverage also an important part of his job description. With Special Teams likely part of his job description.
I would have preferred the Lions to have traded down, as there were many good Round 2 options available at other positions the Lions needed to upgrade as the fallbacks if Tavai would have been drafted before the Lions picked. Because of Matt Patricia's background coaching LBs and the Lions Defensive system not being conventional, I'm at present much less critical of the Lions taking Tavai than most Lions fans. For most teams, Tavai at # 43 would not have been a good decision. Time will tell if that's the case for the Lions. Quinn and Patricia are getting the benefit of the doubt from me with the Tavai decision.
It's debatable whether DB was a greater need than LB for the Lions before the Lions made pick # 43.
…………………………………………………
This thread relates to the following threads:
Round 2 and Round 3 options for the Lions ( 2019 )
Mock Draft ( 2019 ) - DLF Members
NFL Draft Preview: Linebackers ( 2019 )
The selection of LB Jahlani Tavai is the greatest surprise on this end, regarding a Lions draft selection in the 2nd Round of a draft this decade. I gave a little thought to putting Tavai in the latter part of the 3rd Round in my Mock Draft. In the end, I thought he would probably go in Round 4 or Round 5. The highest I saw Tavai rated was in the lower half of Round 2. . Another draft analyst had him in the lower part of Round 3 ( # pick # 86 ). I have yet to see anyone who rated him as high as pick # 43.
In listening to Bob Quinn discuss the Lions Day 2 Draft choices, it's evident that from the perspective of the Lions brass, Tavai has a skill set that isn't common. Because of the skill set, including the emphasis the Lions put on versatility, Quinn decided not to trade down from pick # 43. My take is because the Patriots had several Day 2 picks, Quinn was concerned the Patriots could easily end up with Tavai. In addition to the Patriots reportedly having interest in Tavai, the Eagles did as well.
Tavai likely will see action at a traditional off the ball LB position and as an edge setter. The Patriots have put a premium on size at LB. This is clearly something that the Lions value. Tavai has the build of a throw back LB that in today's NFL would be two down run defending type of LB. Yet, Quinn and Matt Patricia also clearly envision him as an edge pass rusher and as a blitzer. With coverage also an important part of his job description. With Special Teams likely part of his job description.
I would have preferred the Lions to have traded down, as there were many good Round 2 options available at other positions the Lions needed to upgrade as the fallbacks if Tavai would have been drafted before the Lions picked. Because of Matt Patricia's background coaching LBs and the Lions Defensive system not being conventional, I'm at present much less critical of the Lions taking Tavai than most Lions fans. For most teams, Tavai at # 43 would not have been a good decision. Time will tell if that's the case for the Lions. Quinn and Patricia are getting the benefit of the doubt from me with the Tavai decision.
It's debatable whether DB was a greater need than LB for the Lions before the Lions made pick # 43.
