The Lions’ secondary is starting to take shape, and Thursday’s preseason opener against Joe Burrow and the Bengals could reveal which young defensive backs are ready to make their mark.
With the Detroit Lions’ first preseason game just two days away, the team’s secondary is beginning to take shape.
Detroit will face the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, and the matchup should provide an important test for several defensive backs competing for roster spots and playing time. The Bengals are expected to play quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and other starters for at least the opening series.
That could give several Lions defensive backs their first opportunity to face legitimate starting-caliber competition this preseason.
Among the players to watch are cornerbacks Nick Whiteside, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Keith Abney and Rock Ya-Sin.
Whiteside has arguably been one of the biggest surprises of training camp. Entering camp as a fringe roster candidate, Whiteside has consistently made plays and appears to have played himself into a much stronger position.
Head coach Dan Campbell has been impressed with the rookie’s confidence and competitiveness.
“You can’t ignore him,” Campbell said. “Here’s what I love about Ironsides: It is not too big for him. He doesn’t care who’s across from him. He will compete.”
Campbell said some young defensive backs can become overwhelmed when lined up across from established stars such as Amon-Ra St. Brown or Jameson Williams.
“I know that sounds crazy,” Campbell said, but some players will see St. Brown or Williams across from them and “be done.”
Whiteside has shown the opposite mentality.
During Monday’s practice, he continued his strong camp by making one of the biggest plays of the day. In a one-minute end-of-game drill, Whiteside intercepted Jared Goff near the goal line on a 20-plus-yard desperation pass.
If his strong play continues into the preseason, Whiteside could make a serious push for a prominent role, potentially even emerging as Detroit’s No. 2 cornerback.
Another CB making headlines is rookie Keith Abney, who has received positive reviews from Campbell for his ability to process information and execute his assignments.
“He’s pretty headsy for a rookie,” Campbell said. “Nickel position’s not the easiest. He’ll do exactly what you tell him to do. You give him one of the finer details, and man, he does it. He hits his landmarks in zone drops. That’s always gonna give you a chance.”
Meanwhile, Rakestraw remains a player to watch. Campbell described his camp as “up and down” and said the former second-round pick needs to string together more consistent practices.
Rakestraw did show his potential last week when he tracked Williams step for step and broke up a pass. After appearing in just eight games during his first two seasons in Detroit, Rakestraw enters this season with plenty to prove.
Detroit also received updates on two veteran defensive backs.
Safety Kerby Joseph, who is recovering from a knee injury, continues to progress in his rehabilitation.
“His rehab is coming along very well,” Campbell said. “I still see him on the Branch plan, if that makes sense.”
Campbell also said Brian Branch continues to rehab well.
Cornerback D.J. Reed is dealing with a soft-tissue injury, but Campbell does not believe it is a long-term issue.
The Lions also continue to explore ways to improve the position. Campbell described the team’s interest in free-agent cornerback Trevon Diggs as part of an “ongoing process.”
With the Bengals’ starters likely taking the field Thursday, Detroit’s young defensive backs will have an opportunity to show whether their training camp success can translate against real competition.
