Hawaiʻi Talent in the NFL Draft

Hawaiʻi football was well represented in this year’s NFL draft. Whether it was the University of Hawaiʻi football players or just Hawaiʻi natives in general, they will be chasing their dreams of playing in the NFL. Many Hawaiʻi athletes will get a shot, but what they do with that shot is up to them.

Jahlani Tavai, a University of Hawaiʻi linebacker was drafted in the second round at pick 43. He was selected to the Detroit Lions. Although many people projected him to be a fourth or fifth round overall pick, yet the Lions took him in the second round. Tavai, a big-bodied linebacker at 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds should be able to help the Detroit Lions unlock more of their defense.

The second University of Hawaiʻi football player drafted was John Ursua, who is a Hawaiʻi island native. After using all 10 of their draft picks, the Seahawks sent a 2020 sixth-round pick to Jacksonville for the 236th pick. The Seahawks then used that pick to take University of Hawaiʻi receiver John Ursua. Ursua is 5-foot-9, 182 pounds. He led the nation in touchdown receptions in 2018 with 16, all while catching 89 passes for 1,343 yards. He also was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which is given to college footballʻs top receiver.

Along with the two Hawaiʻi football players, there will be other Hawaiʻi boys that will have the opportunity to play in the NFL. Saint Louis graduate Nate Herbig has been signed as an undrafted free agent for the Philadelphia Eagles. Pearl City graduate Jordan Taʻamu has been invited to the Houston Texans Rookie Mini-Camp. Also, Mililani graduate Jordan Agasiva will have a Rookie Mini-Camp tryout with the Seattle Seahawks.