The 49ers on Monday announced the release of cornerback Teez Tabor, and the subsequent addition of veteran cornerback Jamar Taylor to fill the open roster spot. Tabor was one of our under-the-radar defensive players to watch, but can Taylor fill that void as well?
Taylor entered the NFL as a second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2013. He spent three seasons in South Beach, two in Cleveland, and then partial seasons in Denver, Arizona, Atlanta and Seattle. He’s played 90 games with 41 starts in seven seasons, and has three interceptions to go along with 31 pass breakups.
Experience is going to be Taylor’s best asset in a relatively shallow 49ers’ cornerback room. Richard Sherman, Emmanuel Moseley, Ahkello Witherspoon and K’Waun Williams all figure to make the roster. The back end of the roster is less certain, especially with DJ Reed nursing a torn pectoral.
While he has more experience than any other player on San Francisco’s preseason depth chart, his production hasn’t always been good. His three interceptions all came in 2016 as a member of the Browns. That was also the only year Pro Football Focus graded him above average overall and in coverage. Taylor’s allowed 18 touchdowns and 112.0 passer rating when targeted per PFF.
He’s certainly not going to push for a starting job, but a roster spot isn’t out of the question. Taylor has good speed and special teams experience at every place he’s played. He also has extensive NFL game time in the slot and outside. That versatility would give the 49ers some added flexibility in the back end of the cornerback depth chart.
There’s no sort of guarantee Taylor winds up making the 49ers’ final roster. He’s not been good enough for any extended period of time to earn that designation. However, his ability to play multiple spots and contribute on special teams should give him a slew of angles to a job. Ultimately San Francisco hopes to not need their players buried down the depth chart, but Taylor could wind up being an improvement for the 49ers’ group of corners.
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