This time of year is when to expect the unexpected regarding NFL rosters. Often players that fans have either forgotten or never heard of can ascend in training camp and the preseason to secure a role on the team. It happens every season. Chicago Bears color analyst Tom Thayer has watched the team carefully at camp for two weeks now. A couple of players have stood out to him in that time.
The first was rookie tackle Larry Borom who looked way better in blocking drills than somebody of his experience and draft status (5th round) should’ve. However, there is another name that has caught Thayer’s attention recently. One that most people thought wasn’t even in the league anymore at this point. Jalen “Teez” Tabor. The former Detroit Lions 2nd round pick from 2017.
It seems he’s reemerged over the past few days and getting better.
Tabor is hardly the first high draft pick to flame out with his original team. A standout cornerback at Florida, he seemed to have the size and quickness NFL teams covet in modern cornerbacks. However, there were a few problems. He had a reputation for being immature and combative with teammates. On top of that? He was slow. The scouting combine clocked him at a 4.62 in the 40-yard dash. Positively glacial for cornerbacks.
That is why he fell out of the 1st round. Detroit decided to take a chance on him, but it never came to fruition. He struggled in most of his appearances and never flashed the same confidence and ball skills he had for the Gators. He spent some time in San Francisco after leaving in 2019 and eventually signed with the Bears late last season. Based on reports from Adam Jahns of The Athletic and others? He’s found new life. One reason for that might be a position switch.
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“Gesicki appeared to beat Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson for a touchdown catch on a pretty ball from Tagovailoa, but Teez Tabor closed on Gesicki and dislodged the ball as the Dolphins tight end came down.
Later in practice, Tabor showed nice awareness from the safety spot when Tagovailoa scrambled. He had one receiver covered, then was able to peel off and chase down quarterback Jacoby Brissett to force a throwaway.”
Tom Thayer never offers praise for players easily
When he singles somebody out in practices, it’s almost always deserving. That speaks to how well Tabor has done in the past week. The decision to switch him to safety might have been just what he needed. This is something NFL teams do a lot. Usually, when they have a corner that doesn’t possess the speed to cover, they’re shifted to safety where that isn’t as big of a priority. Several players have successfully made the switch in the past.
It comes down to whether they embrace the chance and can adjust to the different responsibilities. Tabor seems to have done just that. He’s playing with more aggression and confidence than he has in some time. Enough to where he has the attention of people like Tom Thayer and the coaching staff. The next step? Determining if he can carry these successes over into actual games.
That starts on Saturday.
The Bears play their first of three preseason games. This one against the Miami Dolphins. A team he knows well both from his time at Florida and the past two days of joint practices. Head coach Matt Nagy has said these games will carry a ton of weight in roster competitions. So the 25-year old will have to make some plays if he wants to get serious consideration for a roster spot.
