PHILADELPHIA – The Detroit Lions selected Florida cornerback Teez Tabor with their second-round pick -- No. 53 overall -- in the 2017 NFL draft.
On Thursday, the Lions drafted Florida linebacker Jarrad Davis with their first-round pick at No. 21 overall. The former Gators were members of a dominant Florida defense the last two seasons.
Recommended Videos
CHECK: List of 2017 1st round NFL draft picks
LATEST: View updating list of 2017 2nd and 3rd round NFL draft picks here
Here's some information on Tabor's draft profile from NFL.com:
Before his junior year, Tabor asked to be addressed by his nickname "Teez." But he certainly doesn't tease scouts with his talent; he puts it on the field every game. The Washington, D.C. Mr. Football award winner in 2013 started five games the following season, garnering Freshman All-American honors (eight pass break-ups). Tabor was a first-team All-SEC pick the next season after intercepting four passes (breaking up 14 others) and scoring on two of them. He repeated the SEC honors as a junior this fall, as well as receiving third-team All-American accolades from the Associated Press (four interceptions, six pass break-ups) while teaming up with Quincy Wilson as one of the top corner duos in the country.
Strengths
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. From zone, can split high/low routes and is quick enough to challenge the catch on either. Has agility and change of direction to come off of one route and pick up the next. Shines when the ball is in the air. Pro-ready closing burst. Has excellent hand-eye coordination. Hands and timing help turn opportunities into interceptions. Posted 28 passes defensed over the last two years. Finished career with nine interceptions at Florida. Willing to unload into receiver's ribs in order jar a ball free.
Weaknesses
Whispers in scouting circles that Tabor fears deep speed. Often played excessively deep off-coverage. Shows balance issues in space. Occasionally loses footing in coverage during his transition. Shows willingness to sit on routes and grab receivers trying to go vertical rather than flipping hips to chase. Can be undisciplined from zone losing track of his responsibilities. Appears to be hit or miss with instinctive playmaking. Doesn't play to his listed size. Finesse cornerback. Avoids mixing it up with physical receivers away from the ball. Too many weak tackle attempts. Charted with 13 missed tackles in 2015. Scouts consider him to be a high-maintenance prospect. Has been suspended due to drug tests and a run-in with a teammate in practice.
Expectations
Draft projection: Rounds 2-3
NFL comparison: Darius Slay
Tabor has terrific size and quickness, but his pedestrian 40 times at both the combine and his pro day workout are hard to ignore. While he has some lapses in judgement and awareness in coverage, his nine career interceptions didn't happen by accident. Tabor can pattern match around the field, but he may need safety help over the top if he's playing on the outside. If he's going to be a zone corner, he'll have to do a better job of tackling. Tabor looks like a second day pick.
-- Lance Zierlein