Tavai was a four-year starter in college (Hawaii) who began his career as an edge defender without enough juice to make a real mark as a pass rusher. He then transitioned to an inside linebacker role where he spent the majority of his career but was still able to impact the passer as a blitzer at a high level. He lasted just two seasons with Detroit after being selected in the second round of the 2019 Draft prior to ending up in New England with Bill Belichick who had success with this kind of hybrid linebacker-type. Over the past three years, Tavai has become more and more valuable and actually led the team in tackles in 2024 along with seven tackles for loss. The soon to be 29-year old has been lining up at both spots as well and provides a lot of options for defensive play callers.
Elliss has not been building equity with the club for nearly as long. The 2021 undrafted free agent who has played for five teams in addition to being on and off practice squads broke out in 2024. He too can offer some inside-out versatility but he weighs about 20 pounds less than Tavai, likely keeping him out of any serious edge roles in the Mike Vrabel-scheme. He has some youth on his side and he was more productive on a per-snap basis than Tavai in 2024. The new scheme favors the speed he brings to the table and locking him in next to free agent signing Robert Spillane gives them the proper mix of tools Vrabel likes to have at the position.
Prediction: Elliss
Vrabel has spoken highly of Elliss, calling him a “young, ascending player” and the fact Tavai is currently battling a calf strain will likely give Elliss a head start once camp begins. Even though Tavai was signed to a three-year deal, his ideal fit is more of a complementary role who can move around based on the situation. Elliss is likely to win the starting role and end with more snaps this upcoming season.