On Monday, the Detroit Lions opted to not drag out the Terrion Arnold authorized drama and simply finish issues with their 2024 first-round decide. Arnold was unceremoniously launched simply hours after a Florida choose awarded him a bond set at $1 million. It’s a shocking finish to his Lions profession, however as an alternative of watching Arnold’s severe and complex case drag on for months, if not years, they’ve determined to maneuver on.
That leaves the Lions secondary in a weak spot. We’ve already mentioned among the free agent choices Detroit may pursue at cornerback, and among the inside decisions on the roster to fill Arnold’s beginning position, however let’s focus our dialogue right now on one, single participant.
At this time’s Query of the Day is:
Can Rock Ya-Sin be the Lions’ beginning cornerback?
My reply: Let’s have a look at everything of Ya-Sin’s profession.
Drafted thirty fourth general within the 2019 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Ya-Sin tallied 29 complete begins in his first three seasons, together with 13 throughout his rookie 12 months. That first 12 months was undoubtedly promising. He posted a 65.3 PFF grade, together with a powerful 72.5 run protection grade–something that definitely appeals to the Lions. Nevertheless, his protection grades have been inconsistent, at greatest. He graded out at 62.2, 48.2, and 72.4 from 2019 to 2021, and allowed a passer ranking of 93.4 or greater in every of his first three years.
From there, he was despatched to the Raiders in a uncommon player-for-player commerce (Colts received Yannick Ngakoue). He performed out the ultimate 12 months of his rookie contract there, posting an admirable 45 tackles, seven move breakups, and a 65.7 PFF grade in 9 begins. He additionally posted his greatest 12 months in protection incomes a 65.8 PFF protection grade and permitting simply an 82.5 passer ranking when focused.
The following two years, he bounced between two very sturdy defenses in Baltimore and San Francisco, however solely began one video games between these two seasons. Then, he lastly discovered his option to Detroit final 12 months. As a reserve, Ya-Sin finally discovered his option to the sphere to start out six video games and was a really nice shock for the Lions. He posted the bottom passer ranking allowed of his complete profession (77.7), essentially the most move breakups in his profession (9), and earned a good 64.8 PFF protection grade, good for forty seventh out of 120 qualifying cornerbacks.
It wasn’t all nice, although. Ya-Sin had a tough 12 months as a run defender, incomes only a 50.8 PFF grade. He was additionally known as for eight penalties, essentially the most since his rookie season.
So with a number of completely different groups, Ya-Sin has stepped up and offered no less than common play for the protection. However he hasn’t been relied upon to be a full-time starter because the Raiders traded for him in 2022. And if we’re being utterly sincere, the Lions didn’t re-sign him with the intention of beginning him. There’s a purpose he signed a one-year, $3.2 million deal this offseason.
That mentioned, that contract is a major improve from final 12 months’s veteran minimal wage ($1.17 million). The Lions like him. They like him so much.
“Rock came in and did an excellent job. But that’s who he is,” Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend mentioned earlier this month. “He’s a pro. He’s diligent, he works the right way. I wouldn’t expect anything less. I’m so happy to have him back because for us to get him back, that was a good move for us to get a player like that with the ability to play and the experience that he has and the type of leader that he good for our room.”
So I imagine Ya-Sin can provide the Lions common cornerback play this 12 months, particularly since he received’t must be the workforce’s No. 1 man. That’s reserved for D.J. Reed.
Now, I nonetheless imagine the Lions could be sensible to make a transfer at cornerback for 2 causes. One, is I imagine competitors is necessary, and Ya-Sin could also be greatest served as the highest outdoors cornerback reserve than your Day 1 starter. Moreover, I’m fairly involved in regards to the depth in that room. If something occurs to Reed or Ya-Sin — and let’s be actual, it in all probability will — Detroit shall be proper again in “Legion of Whom” territory, having to start out an inexperienced Ennis Rakestraw, Khalil Dorsey, or Nick Whiteside (three mixed begins). Or Detroit may decide to maneuver Roger McCreary to the skin and begin rookie Keith Abney within the nickel.
Both means, Detroit ought to higher shield themselves at cornerback depth and add a starting-capable participant.
