This offseason, the Detroit Lions added more cornerbacks to their roster. First, they added Carlton Davis in a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March.
During the Lions’ offseason programme, Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn stated, “Listen, I been knowing about this player since he came out of Auburn, and he’s been a player that wants to get in somebody’s face and challenge.” That hasn’t changed at all. When he was in Tampa, he did it. He fits in well with what we’re trying to accomplish because I know he expects to do the same things here.
The Lions signed Amik Robertson as a free agent after acquiring the six-year veteran. Robertson started 12 games for the Las Vegas Raiders the previous season. The team then spent its first two draft picks on cornerbacks, selecting Terrion Arnold of Alabama at No. 24 and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. of Missouri at No. 61 in April.
They were joined by returning Alabama great Brian Branch, who returned for a second season after serving as the slot corner in 2023, and holdovers Kindle Vildor and Khalil Dorsey, who each started two games in the previous campaign.
Glenn stated, “It’s not surprising that our new recruits are excellent at playing man coverage; it’s something we’ve always wanted to do on defence and something we’ll keep an eye on.” Naturally, we’ll be able to play our zone defence, but we’re also going to make every effort to position these men to excel at what they do. Terrion, Rakestraw, C.D., Mik, and all of those guys—as well as the ones who have been with us—have worked extremely hard on that man coverage during the winter.
Because man-to-man coverage is “just more aggressive, and it’s a challenging mentality,” according to Glenn, he loved it. Furthermore, you just cannot stand by and watch the quarterback dunk after dunk in this league. You are able to accomplish it at times. However, there are other situations in which you must get up there, wreak havoc, and exert pressure on the offensive team.
With the overhaul of the Lions’ secondary, Davis is now Detroit’s starting quarterback.
During Detroit’s offseason programme, Lions defensive-backs coach Deshea Townsend described him as a “quiet leader.” They observe his methods. They observe how he gets ready each day when he arrives. However, he performs admirably with them. He won’t be the type to just stand about saying “Rah, rah.” However, you can see him interacting with the young men in the room, and that’s all that’s necessary.
According to Glenn, the rookie cornerbacks are starting to realise that their NFL schedule won’t include an NCAA FBS opponent.
Glenn remarked, “You’re playing a quality, NFL receiver every week, and (Arnold) is going to take some hits.” They will take their lumps, just like Rakestraw. However, I am aware that such guys have a combative mindset. And for that reason alone, we have them, and every week they’ll be prepared to perform.
The Lions are now on summer break, but they will assemble for training camp the next month. The rookies will report on July 20 and the veterans on July 23.
Detroit plays their first three preseason games against the New York Giants on August 8 and the Los Angeles Rams on September 8 to begin the regular season.
GET MORE NEWS HERE
Leave a Reply