Niner Noise
FanSided

5 Players the 49ers Won’t Touch in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) calls a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) calls a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) works out prior to the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) works out prior to the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Cornerback Teez Tabor, Florida

Collegiate Statistics

The 49ers need cornerbacks in the draft.

With defensive coordinator Robert Saleh installing a Seattle Seahawks-like defense, the necessity of having corners capable of “playing on an island” will be an utmost priority for John Lynch.

Not long ago, Florida cornerback Teez Tabor was considered one of the top defensive backs available in this year’s draft class. Yet his stock has certainly slipped, and it’s likely he’s going to be a day-two option now.

Tabor ran a 4.62 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, which is awfully slow for players hoping to go early. According to NFL.com’s Chase Goodbread, the threshold for corners is 4.60 and under.

This won’t help Tabor’s draft stock at all, especially if he’s expected to be in one-on-one coverage a good deal of the time.

Tack on various off-the-field issues, and it’s easy to see why Lynch probably isn’t looking at Tabor to be an ideal fit for San Francisco’s changing defense. Lynch released veteran corner Traimaine Brock after being arrested for an alleged domestic violence incident, so character is likely going to be an important factor here.

With plenty of other options at this position, the 49ers will gladly look elsewhere and avoid the risk.