Who Is Jahlani Tavai? Lions’ Linebacker Sees DROY Odds Improve from +8000 to +5000 to +3000

• Linebacker Jahlani Tavai was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 2nd round
• He played four years at Hawaii and finished his NCAA career with 390 total tackles
• Tavai has impressed coaches early in camp, including Lions LB coach Al Golden

Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams and Devin White: you’ve heard of all the favorites for the 2019 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. But now it’s time to turn your attention to an under-the-radar linebacker making waves with the Detroit Lions.

Defensive Rookie of the Year Award Odds

*odds taken 6/18

Jahlani Tavai was +8000 at the beginning of the off-season but he has seen a swift rise thanks to an impressive camp with the Detroit Lions.  While the players at the top of the odds table may come with name recognition, Tavai has the game that could see him win the trophy at the end of the year, all while paying you a nice return on your investment.

The @CFL kicks off its 62nd season this week.@Lions LB Jahlani Tavai's (@tavai31) brother, J.R., plays on the defensive line for the Ottawa Redblacks (@REDBLACKS).

The brothers grew up in Inglewood, Calif. and both went on to star at Mira Costa High School (@MiraCostaHigh). pic.twitter.com/TWbv2ITBXv

— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) June 12, 2019

Tavai Turning Heads Early In Detroit

Tavai was the Lions 2nd-round pick, 43rd overall, and at the time many called it a bit of a reach.  Since then, however, the narrative around the linebacker has changed and is now carrying a much more positive tone.  Rumors circulated that the New England Patriots had interest in him and that was the beginning of the focus on his play in camp.

Excited to see more 5️⃣1️⃣ !@tavai31 | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/3akDIEN7P8

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 5, 2019

Tavai has NFL size, standing 6’2 and weighing 250 pounds.  He also comes with experience, playing four years at Hawaii and racking up 390 tackles, including 41 for loss, with 16.5 sacks.  He has a substantial history as a disruptive force on the defensive end and all indications are that he’ll be given a big chance to contribute as a rookie.

Al Golden Already A Tavai Fan

Lions linebacker coach Al Golden appears to be a fan of Tavai already and believes he can contribute despite being a first year player in Detroit’s complicated defensive scheme.  Any reports like this on a player this early into the year will cause waves at the books. It’s likely a big reason why he’s seen a jump in his odds.

He looks the part, has a great history, and has a personnel coach raving about his ability; all of those signs point to big things to come.

https://twitter.com/tavai31/status/1122298949707001856?s=20

If you’re interested in following a player with high upside and a lottery ticket like price, you may want to jump on Tavai now before his odds move any farther.  He’s now on my short list along with Nick Bosa, Devin White and Devin Bush as players definitely worth an early wager while the odds are still paying out as well as they are.