The Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew has shined through training camp so far, impressing everyone and seeming to lock up a spot on the team.
As a fifth round pick for the Detroit Lions, cornerback Jamal Agnew of the University of San Diego was not expected to be a playmaker this year. Late round draft picks have a small chance of success. But in his second NFL draft, general manager Bob Quinn has seemed to strike late round gold once again.
Few people mocked the athletic cornerback from a small school to the Lions. Some thought Agnew could have gone undrafted. Now that he is on the team, he is looking like a higher round pick in his athletic ability and presence on the field.
On Saturday during “Family Day” at Ford Field, Agnew took the opening kickoff and ran the length of the field for a touchdown, bringing the whole stadium alive to cheer him on. He was able to see holes and run through them, as well as lead defenders into his blockers and then switch directions.
Agnew impresses yet again pic.twitter.com/gyZcwl5hfh
— Sean Lanigan (@Lanny1925) August 5, 2017
At this point kickoff and punt return duties are Agnew’s to lose, the team is giving running back Dwayne Washington and wide receiver Keshawn Martin reps at the position but neither has shown the same awareness on the field. Washington and Martin may only make the team if they can find a spot on special teams.
While Agnew has succeeded in return duties for the Lions, he still has an opportunity as a backup corner. He has made a few plays on defense and the ability to go up and get the ball, he’s fast and able to make direction changes quick.
First live look at CB Jamal Agnew and man he's got quick feet, stays low and changed direction very smoothly
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) July 31, 2017
First impression of Jamal Agnew: very fast feet, twitchy, real smooth transitions. Just made a real nice leaping catch in drill
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) August 4, 2017
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As a rookie, Jamal Agnew is doing a lot to impress, and he will be a player that makes an impact on the Detroit Lions’ defense. We should expect to see big plays from him in the slot corner. It has been a few years since the Lions have had a serviceable defense, and Bob Quinn has taken major strides in this draft to revitalizing this part of the team.