The Detroit Lions’ cornerback room looks completely different from last season, with the top four all newcomers and second-year man Brian Branch expected to play more safety this season.
The only returning corners are the guys fighting for depth and special teams roles, including Kindle Vildor, Emmanuel Moseley, Khalil Dorsey, Steven Gilmore, Essang Bassey, Javelin Guidry and Rachad Wildgoose.
Moseley, who would’ve been a strong candidate for a spot and possibly even the starting nickel, has been out the past few weeks with a torn pectoral muscle that could sideline him the entire season. While nothing on his status has been made official yet, he seems likely to land on injured reserve, it’s just unclear if he’ll be designated to return. For reference, C.J. Gardner-Johnson also tore a pectoral muscle in Week 2 last season and didn’t return until the final game of the regular season, although Moseley’s timeline could obviously be different.
Wildgoose just joined the team this week. While he has some slot experience, which Detroit could find useful, he’s likely a practice squad option at best. Guidry has been around a few weeks longer but seems in the same boat.
Vildor, Dorsey and Gilmore all spent last year with the organization, which could give them a leg up, particularly Vildor, who has three additional seasons of NFL experience as well. Bassey also boasts that level of experience if that’s a factor for the Lions, although this is his first go-around with Detroit.
However, even though Vildor and Bassey have more experience, neither has played particularly well, so that may not help their cases.
After three seasons in Chicago, Vildor, a former Bears fifth-round pick, briefly joined Tennessee last year before latching on with the Lions late. In Honolulu blue, he got into the team’s final eight games (including playoffs) and has flashed some talent.
He’s speedy, tough and athletic, and has proven to be a solid tackler. Basically, a solid special teamer and depth guy, although his coverage is still a work in progress.
He seems to be the favorite for possibly the last cornerback spot.
Bassey is of a similar mold to Vildor but, having just joined the Lions last week, is likely on the outside of the initial 53-man roster. That being said, he could be someone the Lions try to keep around on the practice squad.
Overall, the Lions will be relying heavily on four newcomers, including two rookies, learning the system and performing well in 2024. The talent and past production is certainly better than last year’s unit, and Detroit can always shift Branch back to corner if necessary. That gives this group a high floor to go with the high ceiling.
If the group can jell and rookies Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. hit the ground running, the Lions could plausibly turn into one of the better defenses in the league. However, if the rookies struggle, and an injury or two happens — there is some history with Carlton Davis, specifically — an outside addition may be necessary.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (10) makes a catch against Detroit Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor (29) during the first half of the NFC divisional round at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.
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