Detroit Lions made some hard decisions they hope were the right ones

For many fans, the news that former second-round pick Teez Tabor would not make the final roster was like lighting a victory cigar. Both the fans and media alike were critical of Bob Quinn for selecting the former University of Florida cornerback when he simply didn’t have the speed necessary to compete on the NFL level.

Those fears were born out in games as Tabor was continually targeted every time he stepped on the field and continually burned. Yes, Tabor demonstrated outstanding instincts in college and was a play-maker, but despite that being the case, there was no way it wouldn’t be a rough transition, even if it somehow worked, to the NFL where all the best players in the world reside.

A slow receiver can make up for his lack of speed with savvy, especially since his role is to dictate the play to the defense, not react. There is a certain amount of athleticism, which includes speed, needed to react. Tabor didn’t have it and if he were to be honest, he probably would have to admit his confidence must have taken a mighty beating.

In the end, Tracy Walker changing his uniform number was more surprising than the departure of Teez Tabor.

Another move that, I at least heard plenty of feedback on, was the early release of Zach Zenner.

Zenner was a blue-collar player that showed up, did his job and never complained about how much or little he was used. He was a serviceable running back, who played very well in the final few games of last season. I think many of us figured he’d probably make the final roster. No cigar.

Zenner was fairly popular in Detroit and many fans believed he should have been Kerryon Johnson‘s primary backup. He could get tough yardage, block and catch the ball out of the backfield. But he didn’t work into Matt Patricia’s plans and I suspect his early release was to help give him a jump on all the other players being cut to possibly find a new home.

Probably the move I disagreed with the most was the release of safety Andrew Adams. I realize that he was in a tough situation. He wasn’t going to start and with Quandre Diggs, Tracy Walker, and rookie Will Harris being more prominently in the Lions plans, his role would be questionable.

But for myself, I would have kept him over Tavon Wilson. Not that I’m calling Wilson out for any reason, but basically it was between the two of them as to who would make the roster and who wouldn’t. Adams has a nose for the ball and creates turnovers. That’s his trademark. For a team that had difficulty with that last year, I thought that wasn’t a bad trait to have.