The Detroit Lions are taking stock of their roster in the weeks after the NFL draft, and are beginning to consider what players will slot into what roles when they get ready to begin the offseason program.
One of the spots that was beefed up between free agency and the draft was the cornerback position. Not only did the Lions bring back key veteran Rock-Ya Sin, but they added outside of the building with De'Shawn Rucker and Roger McCreary in addition to drafting potential standout Keith Abney.
In the wake of the draft, many believe Abney is going to be a force to be reckoned with when he comes into the league. Pro Football Focus takes that analysis a step further, contending that Abney is set to put McCreary on notice immediately if not steal his job.
Analyst Bradley Locker included Abney on a recap of day three rookies that can make the biggest impact in the league, and included a nugget that he could immediately challenge McCreary for a job and beat him out.
"The Lions added free agent Roger McCreary as their projected replacement for Amik Robertson inside, but Abney has a real chance to seize the job. After all, considering Detroit’s significant cornerback injuries last season, Abney should be a next man up if history repeats itself."
It's not unprecedented to think that a hungry player like Abney could unseat a veteran like McCreary, but the Lions usually like to lean on veteran depth in the short-term, so it might be wiser to watch for Abney's rise going into his second year. Still, if things played out like this for Detroit's backfield, few people would be complaining.
McCreary hopes his versatility and attributes show quickly in Detroit
The best advantage McCreary would have over a player like Abney would be his vast NFL experience as well as his ability to play multiple roles for a defensive backfield. No matter where McCreary is slotted, the cornerback believes he has the chance to step up and play a significant role in multiple different positions on the field.
When he was asked whether he is expected to be pigeon holed at nickel, McCreary challenged that notion, saying that he thinks his game translates across the positional spectrum thanks to all he can do.
"I would say it's more versatile than that (nickel position). I would say (I can do) anything. Any opportunity that is there, any position they need me at. I know I play a lot of nickel corner every now and then, but I feel like no matter what they might (want), I can play either position. That's the mindset I'm going in (with)."
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In terms of his own game, McCreary also brings the tough, intelligent style that the Lions relish from their players.
"My playing style is smart, instinctive and aggressive. Cornerbacks have to do more than just be a coverage guy. So, I feel like the other side of that is just me being aggressive and showing that part of me."
It's not wise to bet on McCreary backing down with this attitude, so if Abney wants to show he is a star in the making, he's going to have to go out and earn the role with solid play on his own right off the bat by taking down a veteran hungry to prove himself in his new location. He will have to show all of the same traits and more to gt that done.
Thinking it will happen is a bold prediction, but it's one that Lions fans would be ready for if it plays out, because it could show that they have a potential star on the roster in the form of Abney.
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