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Detroit Lions: Why a lack of speed won’t hurt Teez Tabor

By James Greene

Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) works out prior to the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) works out prior to the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rookie cornerback Teez Tabor isn’t the fastest player at his position. So how will that affect his on-field production in the Detroit Lions’ secondary?

When the Detroit Lions added an SEC talent to further bolster their defensive secondary, the organization was excited. That talent comes in a 6’0″, 201 pound frame at cornerback by the name of Teez Tabor.

Tabor, the Lions’ second round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, doesn’t have Olympic speed. He posted a pedestrian 4.62 forty-yard dash at the Scouting Combine. So how will that affect his on-field production in the Lions’ secondary?

The University of Florida alum has played in a lot of huge games going against the best of the best in college football, the SEC. Tabor was high on scouts radars due to his exceptional ball skills and impressive length.

Although Tabor was a sure talent, many people considered his lack of overall speed a major concern. In my opinion, lack of top end speed will not hurt him on the next level for two main reasons.

First, Tabor possesses great size for a corner. At six feet tall, he has long strides to go with his long reach. Tabor will also be able to play the ball in the air with ease as long as he’s in a good position.

Secondly, Tabor’s not afraid to lower his head and get involved. We’re talking about a player who had 104 total tackles during his three-year collegiate career. When offenses try to attack the edges against the Lions’ front line, Tabor is a more than willing tackler. That cannot be said about every rookie corner coming into the league. Teez having that ability is a big plus.

Lions’ cornerbacks coach Tony Oden knows he doesn’t necessarily have a speed demon to work with in Tabor. But what he does have is a very talented player with a lot of potential, the physical attributes you want to see at the position and ball skills that should translate well to the NFL.

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With veteran cornerback Darius Slay leading the Detroit Lions’ secondary in 2017, there will be an experienced presence helping to guide the younger players. And I fully expect rookie Teez Tabor to excel in that environment.

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