2015 Detroit Lions Roster Analysis: Cornerback

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Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Age: 24

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 192 lbs.

College: Mississippi State

Though Rashean Mathis rated higher last season, Darius Slay is the real #1 cornerback on this team as his arrow is most definitely pointed up. Though he struggled to get up to NFL speed as a rookie, Slay really came into his own as a sophomore player. Though he only hauled in 2 interceptions, the athletic playmaker got his paws on 17 passes, leading the team in deflections.

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His biggest flaw coming out of college was his tackling, but that didn’t seem to be a hindrance in 2014 as he came in 5th on the team in tackles with 48. Statistics don’t tell the whole story with Darius Slay, however, and though he was supremely improved from his rookie season there were still issues that will need to be improved.

Slay has a big mouth, but unlike his teammate Cassius Vaughn who did as well, Slay could back it up. His signature finger wag after a deflection earned him the nickname Slaytumbo from the coaching staff and his boisterous personality is electric on the field. During training camp, it was not only Rashean Mathis but Darius Slay who was working with the younger players, and that continued as the regular season progressed. Slay only ranked “good” at ProFootballFocus, but if the strides he made last season continue we could be talking about him in the top five at his position.

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