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Detroit Lions: 6 names to know before the Reese’s Senior Bowl

By Michael Kirkland

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 28: Kareem Hunt #33 of the North team runs with the ball as Duke Riley #0 of the South team defends during the second half of the Reese's Senior Bowl at the Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 28, 2017 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 28: Kareem Hunt #33 of the North team runs with the ball as Duke Riley #0 of the South team defends during the second half of the Reese's Senior Bowl at the Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 28, 2017 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Holmes is a good cover man
(Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Cornerback/ secondary

The secondary, especially cornerback, is in need of rebuilding. Pro Bowler Darius Slay has one year remaining on his contract and rumors are swirling that he may be traded away. After him, Justin Coleman and rookie Amani Oruwariye are the only players signed past 2021 (both 2023).

Rashaan Melvin, a starter outside, is a free agent along with valuable reserve Mike Ford and special teams player Dee Virgin. At safety, depth is a concern after starters Tracy Walker and Will Harris who both have two and three years remaining, respectively, according to Spotrac’s website.

The Lions will have to make a decision on starter-capable safety, Tavon Wilson, who is set to hit free agency and makes more than both starters combined (averaging $3.5 million in salary). It would seem like he would be expendable with C.J. Moore signed through 2022 but there’s risk in not having Wilson’s experience.

Name to know

Darnay Holmes, Cornerback, UCLA, 5-10, 198, 4.54

This UCLA Bruin may not be the biggest cover guy in the draft but he’s smart and can make plays. Although he lacks top-end speed, Holmes has garnered honorable mention All-Pac 12 honors and may come as cheap as a fifth-round pick to give the Lions quality depth.

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