NFL Insider Discloses Candidates for Detroit Lions’ Slot Cornerback Position.
The Detroit Lions have revamped their cornerbacks room heading into the 2024 season after acquiring Carlton Davis via trade, signing Amik Robertson, and drafting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. This overhaul was essential, given that Detroit had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL in 2023.
How the Lions will utilize this new group remains uncertain, particularly for one position. While it’s not officially confirmed, Davis and Arnold are expected to start on the outside, while the slot cornerback role is still up for grabs, especially if the Lions proceed with their plan to give Brian Branch more opportunities at safety.
In a recent article by ESPN’s Dan Graziano, it was noted that the intention is for Davis and Arnold to start outside, with Rakestraw serving as the primary backup. The competition for the nickel corner spot includes Robertson, Emmanuel Moseley, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and potentially Branch, although it appears Branch will primarily play safety this season alongside Kerby Joseph.
Graziano also highlighted that defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn confirmed Moseley is in the running for the nickel corner position, lending credibility to this information.
Moseley, who is recovering from a second ACL repair, might seem like a long shot for the slot role. However, he has been practicing at full capacity and showing readiness to contribute, even standing out in Friday’s mini-scrimmage where he tackled running back David Montgomery for a loss.
While Rakestraw had been considered a candidate for the slot position after taking some reps there during the offseason, that may no longer be the case. He has certainly impressed in camp, recording three interceptions just last week, but most of his performance has come with the second team.
If Branch transitions to safety full-time, Melifonwu, who performed well at safety last season, could be left out of the lineup. Over his three NFL seasons, Melifonwu has played 108 snaps in the slot, with a career-high of 81 in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus.
Moseley is healthy and fully participating in practice after another torn ACL but has limited experience in the slot, with only 108 snaps there over six seasons.
In contrast, Robertson brings significantly more slot experience, having played 423 snaps during his four years with the Las Vegas Raiders, including 383 over the past two seasons and 100 in 2023.
