The Detroit Lions’ defense was one of the league’s best in 2014, but one shortcoming turned out be the depth at cornerback.
Once the team lost Bill Bentley (ACL) the first week of the season and rookie Nevin Lawson (dislocated foot) a week later, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and Co. were left scrambling a bit and were forced to convert Cassius Vaughn into a nickel cornerback, despite the fact he’d never played there his entire NFL career.
The Lions were actually fortunate Darius Slay and Rashean Mathis started all 17 games last year (including the playoffs).
General manager Martin Mayhew used free agency and the draft to help bolster the cornerback position this offseason and suddenly the Lions have a nice mix of veterans and younger players that add both talent and depth to the position.