The Detroit Lions need someone to step up and earn the starting role opposite Darius Slay. It appears Rashaan Melvin has taken the early lead.
This offseason, the Detroit Lions had several high-profile former members of the New England Patriots join their squad. The most talked-about being defensive end Trey Flowers, wide receiver Danny Amendola, and cornerback Justin Coleman. But a lesser-known ex-Pat is vying for a starting role in Detroit’s secondary as well, and that’s veteran cornerback Rashaan Melvin.
Melvin, now entering his seventh season in the league, went undrafted out of Illinois back in 2013. The Lions are his seventh NFL team in as many years. And Melvin spent less than a season with the Patriots back in 2015, being picked up off waivers in mid-October only to be demoted to the practice squad two months later.
It was a short run for Melvin with the Patriots, but clearly a memorable one for second-year Lions’ head coach Matt Patricia, who was the defensive coordinator in New England at the time. Melvin went on to have stints with the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and the Oakland Raiders before landing in the Motor City this offseason.
As a member of the Colts, Melvin put up his best numbers. In 2017, he posted 36 combined tackles, 13 pass defends, and three interceptions as a 10-game starter. Melvin’s stellar play would land him a one-year deal with the Raiders last year that netted him $5.4 million according to spotrac.com.
Unfortunately, Melvin underwhelmed in Oakland, as he appeared to be a bad scheme fit. He starting in just seven games for the Raiders in 2018. The veteran corner recorded 56 total tackles, nine pass defends and had one pick.
With the Lions moving on from veteran cornerback Nevin Lawson this offseason, Detroit was in search for candidates to fill the starting role opposite two-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay. So the Lions signed Melvin to a one-year, $3.5 million contract in March. And after a slow start, the 29-year-old defensive back is starting to make some strides early in training camp.
Justin Rogers of The Detroit News recently named Melvin one of the five Detroit Lions trending up after the first week of training camp. Here’s Rogers explanation why the veteran corner is separating himself from the bunch.
"“As he’s adjusted to the scheme and techniques, Melvin has looked more comfortable in coverage. His footwork has been sharp, putting him in position to make plays on the ball … He easily intercepted a pass intended for Kenny Golladay and added a couple more breakups throughout the first few practices.”"
After a disappointing stint with the Oakland Raiders last year, Rashaan Melvin was willing to sign a one-year, prove-it deal to show he can still be the player that flashed potential with the Indianapolis Colts two years ago. And with that chip on his shoulder, it’s the Detroit Lions who could benefit from his motivated play in 2019.