Back to the Detroit Lions Newsfeed

Lions still have high hopes for Tavai and Vaitai; Pleasant expects playmaking

After the last few seasons of dismal results, Detroit Lions fans are happy to embrace the mantra out with the old and in with the new. But when it comes to the team's linebacker group, new position coach Mark DeLeone isn't ready to cast aside one of the poster children of the past regime's shortcomings.

A second-round pick in 2019, Jahlani Tavai hasn't lived up to expectations. After a particularly disappointing second season, that might be putting it kindly. But even though the Lions put in some serious effort revamping the linebacker room this offseason, Tavai is still here and DeLeone is more excited about that than one might think.