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Detroit Lions’ early 53-man roster projections: Cornerback

By Forrester Solmen

DETROIT.MI - NOVEMBER 24: Nevin Lawson (24) of the Detroit Lions leaves the field after the Lions kicked a game winning field goal at the end of the game to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 16- 3 at Ford Field on November 24, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT.MI - NOVEMBER 24: Nevin Lawson (24) of the Detroit Lions leaves the field after the Lions kicked a game winning field goal at the end of the game to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 16- 3 at Ford Field on November 24, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The competition is stiff at this position. Detroit Lions’ fans should feel confident about the depth of this group.

What initially looked to be a position of concern, the Detroit Lions look pretty good at cornerback. Predicting the pecking order will be a challenge. Competition is a good thing when a lot of worthy contenders are vying for spots on the roster.

IN

To round out the defense, I have the Lions carrying six cornerbacks. So much can change over the next few weeks. Regardless of who survives the final roster cuts, all the players are making it tough to get released.

Darius Slay

A cornerstone player as well as the top cover man on the team. If he can create more turnovers, he could get his first Pro Bowl invite.

Nevin Lawson

What looks like his final season in Detroit, he is certainly looking good. The second best corner on the roster will continue to start and will fend off the competitors.

Quandre Diggs

Looking like the odd man out before the start of camp, he has really been proving himself. He is the top slot corner and should continue to have the upper hand in that battle.

DJ Hayden

So far during camp, I can say he is deserving of being on the roster. His versatility to play both inside and outside corner positions is valuable. $2.5 million dollars guaranteed is also a pretty clear indication he stays in Detroit.

Teez Tabor

Cornerbacks transitioning from the college level to the pros need patience. The second round pick (2017) from Florida is experiencing ups and downs, like most rookie cornerbacks. He will provide quality depth in his first year and could take over as a starter as early as next year.

Jamal Agnew

Another rookie corner who is trying to make a name for himself as a fifth rounder. The former University of San Diego product is most well-known for his return ability. He has been really impressive putting a stranglehold on the punt return job, and has shown limited growing pains in coverage from the slot.

OUT

There will be some tough cuts coming at the end of camp. When it is all said and done, the Lions should feel very confident with who they will have moving forward.

Johnson Bademosi

Despite the $1 million dollars he carries in dead cap if he was released, the Lions could still save $1.35 million dollars if they moved on from him. He is too spotty on defense and is expendable on special teams with a few cheaper/younger options capable of replacing him.

Josh Thornton

The University of Southern Utah is little-known, and so is the undrafted free agent that attended that school. He has been abused in camp mostly, but shines at times. A spot on the practice squad is his ceiling.

Next: Let’s say Matthew Stafford is still a Lion at age 40…

 Tramain Jacobs

His most recent football action took place in 2016 for the Canadian Football League. An injury opened up a roster spot, but he isn’t going to fill that spot on the 53-man roster.

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