The battle for CB2 is quickly heating up with Nick Whiteside, making an outstanding showing during practice.
Dan Campbell answered a variety of questions during his media availability, touching on player injuries, positional battles and the overall outlook for the team.
When discussing the cornerback room, Campbell said Keith Abney and Roger McCreary will take some reps on the outside, but their primary focus will remain at nickel.
He said the opposite is true for Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who will primarily play outside corner while also getting some reps in the slot.
Detroit is exploring all of its options following the release of Terrion Arnold and remains confident it can move forward.
Campbell said he addressed the team the night before regarding Arnold’s release.
He called the situation “unfortunate, but we made the move that we felt was best for us.” While there is still a chance Arnold could clear his name and return to the NFL at some point this season, Detroit weighed the potential locker room distraction against what he had shown on the field and decided to move on. Through two seasons with the Lions, Arnold never fully established himself and was already expected to compete for his starting role entering training camp. Because of that, this is a decision I agree with.
Campbell also discussed the projected starters on the outside, saying Rock Ya-Sin and DJ Reed will line up as Detroit’s outside cornerbacks. At this point, it appears Ya-Sin has the early edge to secure the starting job.
According to Lions beat reporter Mike Payton, DJ Reed “looked like himself” on the first day of training camp.
Meanwhile, Nick Whiteside has entered the conversation for the starting cornerback job opposite Reed after an impressive showing in practice.
Whiteside was all over the field and recorded three pass breakups. For context, he was primarily working with the second- and third-team units against backup receivers, but his performance could help him quickly climb the depth chart.
Whiteside is a former Saginaw Valley State standout who signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent.
He added two more pass breakups during the 7-on-7 period and held his own in tight coverage against Sam LaPorta.
Speaking with Lions beat reporter Dave Birkett, Whiteside reflected on his mindset.
“My first two years with the Commanders, I was so worried about, ‘OK, when am I going to get the opportunity?’” Whiteside told Birkett. “But like I said, I don’t really know what that holds or what the future holds. My mindset is still the same: come in, stick to my routine, and I feel like everything else will follow.”
The battle for the CB2 spot opposite Reed could become one of the most important position battles of training camp. While there is no clear frontrunner yet, I believe Ya-Sin currently has the edge, though several other players are beginning to make a strong push.
