Jahlani Tavai

Jahlani Tavai was signed by the New England Patriots to the 53-man roster on October 13, 2021 ... Originally drafted by Detroit in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft ... Released by Detroit (8/31/21) ... signed by the New England Patriots to the practice squad (9/2/21) ... Elevated to the Patriots 53-man roster (9/25/21) ... Reverted back to the practice squad (9/27/21) ... Elevated to the Patriots 53-man roster (10/2/21) ... Reverted back to New England's practice squad (10/4/21).

PRONOUNCED - ja-LAN-EE TAH-va-yah

CAREER TRANSACTIONS

Jahlani Tavai was signed by the New England Patriots to the 53-man roster on October 13, 2021 ... Originally drafted by Detroit in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft ... Released by Detroit (8/31/21) ... signed by the New England Patriots to the practice squad (9/2/21) ... Elevated to the Patriots 53-man roster (9/25/21) ... Reverted back to the practice squad (9/27/21) ... Elevated to the Patriots 53-man roster (10/2/21) ... Reverted back to New England's practice squad (10/4/21).

SEASONAL REVIEWS

2022 (17/12)

• Plays at linebacker and on special teams.
• Sacked quarterback Mitch Trubisky for a 5-yard loss on a third-down play in the second quarter to hold the Steelers to a field goal at Pittsburgh (9/18). It was his first sack as a member of the Patriots. Recorded four total tackles in the game.
• Recorded eight total tackles (5 solo, 3 assist) at Green Bay (10/2).
• Made his first start as a member of the Patriots vs. Detroit (10/9). Part of the defensive unit that pitched a shutout vs. Lions, who entered the game with the top-ranked offense in the NFL. Had five total tackles (3 solo, 2 asst.) which tied for the team high.
• Part of the defensive unit that held Cleveland, who entered the game with the top ranked rushing attack, to 70 rushing yards. It was the first time this season the Browns had less than 170 rushing yards (10/16). Had three assisted tackles.
• Recorded five total tackles (1 solo, 4 assist) vs. Chicago (10/24).
• Recorded five total tackles (5 solo, 1 assist) vs. Indianapolis (11/6). Also combine with DL Deatrich Wise Jr. on a sack for a loss of 7.5 yards. It was one of the nine sacks the defense had, which is a season high and tied for the most under Coach Belichick. Played a key role for the defensive unit that forced the Colts to go 0-for-14 on third down and allowed just 121 total yards of offense.
• Recorded two total tackles (1 solo, 1 assist) vs. N.Y. Jets (11/20). Was part of the defensive unit that held the Jets to just 103 total yards, the third-fewest yards allowed in Patriots history, only two total yards in the second half, the fewest ever allowed in a half in Patriots history, only six first touchdowns and no touchdowns.
• Recorded five total tackles (4 solo, 1 assist) at Arizona (12/12). Part of the defensive unit that recorded six sacks, two takeaways, a touchdown and four fourth-down stops.
• Had four total tackles (3 solo, 1 assist) at Las Vegas (12/18).
• Had six total tackles (3 solo, 3 assist) vs. Cincinnati (12/24).
• Recorded six total tackles (2 solo, 4 assist) vs. Miami (1/1).
• Had three total tackles (2 solo, 1 assist) at Buffalo (1/8).

2021 (13/0, 1/0)

• Made his Patriots debut vs. New Orleans (9/26), seeing the field as a linebacker and on special teams in limited snaps.
• Was elevated to the active roster for the second week in a row vs. Tampa Bay (10/3). Saw the field mostly on special teams with one defensive snap.
• Was signed to the 53-man roster on October 13, 2021.
• Sees limited action on defense and special teams.
• Recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter vs. Tennessee (11/28).
• Inactive at Buffalo (12/6).
• Recorded two special teams tackles at Indianapolis (12/18)
• Recorded a special teams tackle vs. Buffalo (12/26).
• Combined for three tackles in limited snaps on defense vs. Jacksonville (1/2), as well as contributing on special teams.
• Played in his first playoff game in the Wild Card Round loss at Buffalo (1/15).

2020 (16/10 - DETROIT)

• Played in 16 games with 10 starts an finished with 56 total tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two special teams tackles.
• Logged a career-high 11 tackles and two forced fumbles in Week 17 vs. Minnesota (1/3/21).

2019 (15/16 - DETROIT)

• Played in 15 games with six starts and finished with 57 total tackles, two sacks for 19 yards, one interception, two passes defensed and one forced fumble.
• He was the only rookie in the NFL to post 50 tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and one interception in 2019.
• In Week 15 vs. Tampa Bay (12/15), he recorded his first career interception.
• Notched his first career sacks at Arizona (9/8) in his regular season debut.

COLLEGE

• Played in 47 games in college and finished with 390 total tackles, 16 1/2 sacks two interceptions, five passes defensed and three forced fumbles.
• He was named First Team All-Mountain West in 2016 and Second Team All-Mountain West in 2017.

PERSONAL

• Prepped at Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, Calif) High School where he played defensive line and tight end.
• Comes from an athletic family: older brother, J.R., is a former Tennessee Titans linebacker and younger brother, Justis plays along the defensive line for Hawaii.