As the Detroit Lions begin their rookie camp, the new draftees and undrafted free agents will have their first chance to work the Lions’ coaches and get a feel for the professional game. Each rookie brings a different skill set and will have different expectations entering 2017. Over the course of the next few weeks, I will cover every Lions draftee and a few of the UDFAs that have a chance to make the final roster. Today, we take a look at second-rounder Teez Tabor.
Teez Tabor CB – Florida
The Lions decided to address their long time need at cornerback in the second round. Tabor will have a legitimate chance at starting this season, but concerns over his athleticism have swirled around him in recent months.
Ceiling
Teez Tabor has a chance to be the Lions second starting CB this season. Nevin Lawson has been inconsistent in the role over the past few years, and the Lions drafted Tabor as an eventual replacement. Tabor has a shot to start year one if he puts together an impressive camp, most likely shifting Lawson into the slot.
The existing question marks around his speed that arose from the combine can be made up by his instincts. He plays the ball well and was rarely penalized in college. He can stay with receivers in man coverage, and has command of his area when dropping back into zone. Tabor has potential to a be great compliment to Darius Slay on the other side of the field.
Floor
Tabor ran a 4.62 40-yard dash at the combine. Although there are a few examples of NFL corners who have succeeded despite their speed, notably Josh Norman, the odds say Tabor won’t live up to expectations at the next level. If he can’t keep up with the faster receivers in the league
His slow 40-time was initially blamed on a hamstring injury. The potential severity, and legitimacy, of the injury also raises another red flag. If the injury is legitimate and as serious as claimed, then it may hamper him all season. Entering the season injured does not look good for Tabor, or for his prospects to start in 2017. The Lions are crowded at corner. Slay will definitely start, but the addition of D.J. Hayden, along with Lawson and Quandre Diggs makes the remaining starting spot and the nickel role two very sought after spots.
Tabor’s selection in the second round was seen as a reach by many initially and he will have a lot to prove in his rookie year. The odds are against him, but he still has a chance to improve and succeed at the next level.
Ceilings and Floors for other Lions rookies:
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