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Detroit Lions: Ranking the 2017 draft class by rookie-year impact

By Zac Snyder

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Teez Tabor

Teez Tabor’s draft position says the Lions have big plans for Tabor as part of the future of their secondary. Just how big of a position he has in the present of their secondary remains to be seen.

He has plenty of college tape that shows a playmaking presence the Lions could use in their defensive backfield, but comes with concerns about his speed that could be exploited at the NFL level.

Bob Quinn downplayed concerns over Tabor’s slow 40 times, instead deferring to his game speed. However, cornerbacks often face rough first seasons and Tabor may be no exception as he adjusts to a new team and league. Any slowdown of his read and reaction speed due to adjustment to the NFL would limit his potential impact as a rookie.

Best-case scenario: Tabor’s game speed matches his college tape making everyone forget about his slow 40 times leading up to the draft. Every young corner has his struggles but Tabor earns more and more playing time and allies concerns over the number of expiring cornerback contracts the Lions have expiring after the 2017 season.

Worst-case scenario: Fears about his speed prove founded and Tabor struggles for playing time. In limited playing time, Tabor is a source of frustration for fans and coaches alike as he adjusts to the NFL game.

Next: Number 2

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