The Detroit Lions’ secondary struggled tremendously last season. They allowed the 6th-most passing yards and the 6th-most passing touchdowns in 2023. The Lions overhauled their cornerback room by parting ways with two starting corners this offseason.
The Lions declined to tender Jerry Jacobs and released Cameron Sutton. They drastically improved their secondary by acquiring Carlton Davis III (via trade), Amik Robertson (free agent signing), Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (draft pick), and an SEC CB in the 1st round.
The Detroit Lions drafted an SEC cornerback
The Lions drafted Terrion Arnold 24th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Arnold, a press-man corner, played three seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide in college. He developed into one of the best players in the nation, earning him All-American First Team honors in 2023.
The Lions enter training camp with one starting cornerback position locked in. Carlton Davis III looks to hold down the left side with two other spots vacant, including the nickel (Brian Branch played in the slot last season but could see playing time as a safety) and the right side.
So far, one player has stood out in the competition for the right starting spot/CB2.
Who has stood out (so far) in the competition for the right starting spot?
Terrion Arnold has taken the early lead in the competition for the right side/CB2 spot. He has received the majority of first-team reps throughout voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp, per Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com.
“Davis and Arnold where the top outside cornerbacks with the first-team defense during OTAs and minicamp and we’ll see if they enter training camp in those roles.”
He will compete against a player who has starting experience.
The Detroit Lions’ 28-year-old corner will compete for the CB2 spot
Emmanuel Moseley will also compete for the starting spot. Moseley enters his seventh year and has played 46 regular-season games with 33 starts. The 28-year-old defensive back has battled two consecutive ACL tears in the past two seasons, tearing his left knee with the 49ers in 2022 and right knee with the Lions in 2023.
He has developed into a starting-caliber player when he can stay healthy. If he can fully recover, he will be a tough out.
Who will win the CB2 job this season?
