Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz looking forward to competition for cornerback position - NFL News
Detroit Lions did not panic even though they lost starting cornerback, Eric Wright, this offseason to Tampa Bay Buccaneers and according to coach, Jim Schwartz, the team is happy with their current depth at the position.
Speaking to the Detroit Free Press on Sunday, the head coach is looking forward to competition amongst the rookies drafted this year to fill on the big hole left in defence by Wright.
"I don't know that I've ever really gone in saying, 'You want to have good competition,' "
Adding further he said.
"What you really want is you want to have good players. If you have enough good players, you'll have competition, but I don't know we're really looking to say, 'We're trying to have competition.' We're trying to have good players, and I think we have a
couple there."
The Lions have more than just a couple players to fill in the position.
Cornerback, Chris Houston will return to the team to retake his starting berth while the rest of the rookies will duke it out during the team’s training camp to make the starting position.
One rookie is feeling confident about his ability to make the starting position his in the upcoming season.
Jonte Green, who has been drafted by the Lions in the sixth round impressed the coaches in training camp and is ready to face the competition.
"I feel like I can compete and help the team. Anything comes up, whenever I'm called in, I'll be ready. I think I have talent. I'm a good player and I can think I can bring a lot to the team."
Adding further he said.
“You've got be able to run, too. I think that's one of my specialties, speed, as well. That means a lot in this league."
He will have the chance to show that he can compete with the rest for the position. Young cornerbacks, Alphonso Smith and Aaron Berry are also in the mix while two more rookies, Dwight Bentley and Chris Greenwood will also be in the line for the position.
The Lions had a poor pass defence last season ranking 22nd overall after giving up an average of 239.4 yards per game.
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