Five Lions players who might be finished in Detroit

#3. Rashaan Melvin, CB

The search continues for a cornerback to pair on the outside with Three-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay. Although Slay himself may be playing elsewhere in 2020.

That makes the cornerback position in Detroit the team’s biggest need heading into free agency and the upcoming draft. And that’s why many draftniks have predicted Ohio State cornerback Jeffrey Okudah will be the Lions’ selection with the third overall pick in the first round.

But all of that has little to do with the future of Rashaan Melvin in the Motor City. The Lions signed the 30-year old cornerback to a one-year, $3.5 million deal last March to help secure the position opposite of Slay. Unfortunately, the seven-year veteran struggled, earning himself a lackluster overall grade of 55.4 from Pro Football Focus (PFF), his lowest since 2015.

Melvin started in 12 games for the Lions last season, recording 68 tackles, 11 pass deflections, but had no interceptions. He was outshined by fifth-round rookie Amani Oruwariye late in the season who was able to post two picks despite only starting in two games.

If the Lions decide to move on from Slay, I could see them re-signing Melvin to a veteran minimum deal to keep some experience within the unit. But based on Melvin’s performance in 2019, Detroit might simply decide it would be best to look elsewhere for that veteran help.