Jahlani Tavai, ILB, Hawaii #31

6025, 245, 4.78

Notes: From Inglewood, CA. Older brother, J.R. was a linebacker at USC, with the Tennessee Titans (2015-16) and currently in the CFL. Redshirted in 2014. Appeared in all 13 games, starting 11 at outside linebacker, recorded 56 tackles, 5 tackles-for-loss and 3 sacks in 2015. Started all 14 games at middle linebacker, credited with 129 tackles, 19.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries in 2016. Started all 12 games at MLB, had 124 tackles, 11 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 INT, 2 PBU and 1 FR in 2017. Played in 8 games, missing 4 games with a shoulder injury, made 82 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 PBU and 1 blocked kick in 2018.

Positives: Good raw athlete. Adequate-plus size and strength. Above-average range. Good quickness and movement skills. Very physical and aggressive. High motor players. Gets decent depth on pass drops. Outstanding special teams mentality, where he should excel.

Negatives: Not very instinctive. Too many of his tackles are in pursuit or downfield. Wild and out-of-control upon arrival at times. Misses some tackles.

Summary: Can make a team as a backup and should be able to contribute on special teams.