Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: LSU vs. Florida

Two top cornerbacks

Junior Jalen “Teez” Tabor (#31, 6’0″, 200), was considered the nation’s top cornerback heading into the season. It didn’t take long before junior Quincy Wilson (#6, 6’1″, 211) challenged him for the top spot. The video below is an example of Wilson’s talent:

Wilson wasn’t on most preseason draft watchlists, but his stellar play has resulted in a dramatic rise. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller projected Wilson to be selected fifth overall in his a recent mock draft. Miller commented:

"What’s been a surprise is that junior Quincy Wilson has outplayed and outshined his more esteemed colleagues Jalen Tabor, Jarrad Davis, Caleb Brantley and Marcus Maye. In the four games I’ve charted, Wilson has allowed just four catches while grabbing two interceptions. And unlike Tabor, the other cornerback, Wilson is squeaky clean off the field."

Miller also had Tabor going in the first round of his mock draft at pick 25:

"Jalen Tabor will be an interesting debate as draft time nears. He’s been a shutdown cornerback at Florida and has the skill set and size that scouts drool over. He’s also cocky and has served a suspension for fighting with a teammate. Tabor was also suspended in 2015 for “some choices he made,” according to head coach Jim McElwain. Suspensions can easily be overlooked by evaluators, but teammate-on-teammate crime doesn’t usually go well when discussed behind closed doors. Scouts must dig to find out if Tabor is just immature or if there are deeper issues that could affect his on-field availability and performance."

The injured safety

Fifth-year free safety Marcus Maye (#20, 5’11”, 210), a two-year starter, has a free safety body and strong safety skills. He is comfortable in the box, as well as in coverage against backs, tight ends and over the slot. He is a physical presence in the run game and forced five fumbles in 2015. Maye has the range to play center field, but he’s also struggled with consistency in this role. If he gets drafted into the right scheme, he could be a day one starter.

Last Saturday he broke his arm in Florida’s victory over South Carolina is will miss the remainder of the season. While we won’t be able to watch him on Saturday, this injury likely won’t impact his draft status:

"I just feel horrible, but he’s done so much,” head coach Jim McElwain said afterwards. “His draft stock looking down the road has risen drastically because of how he’s played. So this won’t have any bearing on it."