2017 NFL Draft picks: Lions choose Teez Tabor with second-round pick, 53rd overall

The Detroit Lions, with their second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, have selected cornerback Teez Tabor from Florida.

It appears the Lions have a thing for Florida Gators. Just a round after taking linebacker Jarrad Davis, Detroit went with his teammate, Teez Tabor in the second round.

Tabor has good size for an NFL cornerback at 6-foot, 199 pounds and brings versatility, having played both the outside and nickel corner positions. His large frame leads to a physical style of play that can disrupt opposing receivers’ routes before they begin.

However, Tabor isn’t exactly the most athletic cornerback of the bunch.

Cornerback was one of the Lions’ biggest needs on defense. Though Darius Slay has the No. 1 position on lock, Detroit definitely needed an upgrade over Nevin Lawson and could use some addition depth beyond. The Lions did add D.J. Hayden in free agency, but Hayden’s injury-laden history in the NFL makes him unreliable depth.

Tabor will immediately contend for Lawson’s position in the starting lineup, but he could also challenge Quandre Diggs for the slot position.

Detroit Lions draft picks so far:

• Round 1, Pick 21 (21 overall): LB Jarrad Davis, Florida
• Round 2, Pick 21 (53 overall): CB Teez Tabor, Florida

Lions remaining picks

• Round 3, Pick 21 (85 overall)
• Round 4, Pick 20 (128 overall)
• Round 5, Pick 21 (165 overall)
• Round 6, Pick 21 (205 overall)
• Round 6, Pick 31 (215 overall) - Via Patriots from Kyle Van Noy Trade
• Round 7, Pick 32 (250 overall) - Via Patriots from Michael Williams Trade

Top remaining needs for Lions:

• Linebacker
• Defensive end
• Defensive tackle
• Wide receiver
• Running back
• Cornerback
• Tight end
• Free safety

NFL Draft schedule

Friday

What: Rounds 2-3 of the NFL Draft
When: Friday, April 28, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Philadelphia, PA
TV: NFL Network, ESPN
Time per pick: Round 2: 7 minutes; Round 3: 5 minutes
Estimated time of Lions picks:

• Pick 85 overall: 10:43 p.m ET

Saturday

What: Rounds 4-7 of the NFL Draft
When: Saturday, April 29, Noon ET
Where: Philadelphia, PA
TV: NFL Network, ESPN
Time per pick: Rounds 4-6: 5 minutes; Round 7: 4 minutes
Estimated time of Lions picks:

• Pick 128 overall: 1:35 p.m. ET
• Pick 165 overall: 3:15 p.m. ET
• Pick 205 overall: 4:55 p.m. ET
• Pick 215 overall: 5:15 p.m. ET
• Pick 250 overall: 6:30 p.m. ET