With the 53rd pick, the Detroit Lions selected Teez Tabor, the defensive back out of Florida. He’s a potential long-term starter opposite Darius Slay at corner. Tabor is the second Florida Gator Detroit has taken in this draft, after linebacker Jarrad Davis was drafted in the first.
Teez Tabor, CB – Florida
Position: Defensive Back
Size: 6-foot, 200 lbs
Why He Makes Sense for Detroit: He fits the need for a bigger, outside corner that has been missing from Detroit’s defense for a few seasons. A slow forty-yard dash time (4.62) caused him to fall a little bit.
Tabor was insanely productive for Florida for the duration of his three seasons, finishing with 9 interceptions (3 for touchdowns), 67 total tackles and 4 sacks. Teryl Austin will have to put him position to not get burned with his lack of top end speed. If you watch him on tape, however, he seems to play faster than his forty time would suggest.
“Prototypical size and athleticism. Plays with bouncy feet in coverage. Good initial patience and foot quickness to mirror receiver’s release from press. Has the quick twitch to accelerate and pattern match receivers throughout their routes. Has recovery speed to bird-dog crossers,” said Lance Zierlein in his NFL scouting profile.
Fans have been wanting the Lions to get another Darius Slay, which just so happens to be Tabor’s NFL comparison. Check out Teez for yourself below.
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