Detroit Lions: Grades by Position Group

Aug 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions strong safety Glover Quin (27) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Detroit won 13-12. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Safety

Starters: Glover Quin, James Ihedigbo

Reserves: Don Carey, Isa Abdul-Quddus, Jerome Couplin

Practice Squad: Nate Ness

Grade: B-

With the departure of Louis Delmas, Glover Quin is able to shift over to more natural position for him at free safety. This allows James Ihedigbo to play a true strong safety role for the Lions and make plays against the run.

The Lions haven’t disclosed anything yet, but it looks like Ihedigbo may be sidelined for at least a game, so keep an eye on who will be starting alongside Glover Quin. My best guess at this point would be that Isa Abdul-Quddus will step in for Ihedigbo after starting the last couple of games during the preseason. For what it’s worth, Pro Football Focus gave Abdul-Quddus the highest grade on defense for the Lions (+6.7). He had two interceptions to go along with 14 tackles in four preseason games.

Ihedigbo claims that he’s “just resting and getting ready for Monday night,” but the fact that he missed the last couple of preseason games and also sat out today’s practice suggests otherwise.