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Detroit did not draft a cornerback until the fourth round when it selected Utah State standout Nevin Lawson with the No. 133 pick overall.
"I'm stronger, faster and smarter," Slay said.
"That's part of growing and knowing that the best corner in the world — Deion Sanders — got beat sometimes,Adidas NHL Jerseys China."
The Lions drafted three cornerbacks two years ago, taking Bill Bentley in the third, Chris Greenwood the fifth and Jonte Green the sixth. And, none of them have panned out.
NOTES: Former Lions coach Steve Mariucci, an NFL Network analyst, visited practice and talked with some of the executives, Bill Ford Jr., Tom Lewand and Martin Mayhew, who had leadership roles with the franchise when he was fired during the 2005 season. "I still have a lot of friends here,Authentic China Jerseys," Mariucci said. ... As of early Tuesday evening, the Lions had not officially claimed WR Jon Baldwin off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers.
"He's up for the challenge," Mathis said. "Once he has the fire under his feet, we'll see how he reacts because he'll be facing some of the most talented players in the world. Last year, it was easy to get him to waver because he was a rookie.
Slay,Wholesale Football Jerseys, a second-round pick last year,Cheap Jerseys From China, started the first two games of his NFL career and two games late in the season. He responded, "Oh yeah,cheap jerseys from china," when asked if he was eager to be in the spotlight opposite Mathis. After some growing pains, getting down on himself after giving up receptions, he feels ready to compete against the best.
The Lions decided not to commit a lot of money toward improving their situation at cornerback during the offseason, re-signing Mathis to a one-year deal in April, and adding Vaughn and Aaron Hester as free agents.
"There's no reason we can't be a top-10 unit," he said. "When you start winning, people will hush their mouths. I like our talent and we have a lot of young guys who are hungry to show what they can do."
Vaughn knows no one outside of the organization may agree with him.
"Every team can't be balanced," Mathis said after Tuesday's practice. "If people think we're a weakness now, hopefully they change their mind by the end of the season."
When Slay walked off the field Monday with a neck injury, Vaughn replaced him. He was not surprised to get the nod after starting in 18 games over his first four seasons in the league with Indianapolis and Denver.
"I'm in a great position with an opportunity to get a fair shot to get on the field," Lawson said. "They drafted me, expecting me to produce and not just sit."
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions appear to be thin on talent at cornerback, counting on veteran Rashean Mathis and second-year pro Darius Slay to be starters.
"I don't see myself as anybody's backup," Vaughn said. "I have been a starter in this league and I can still be if there's an opportunity. But it's about our unit, and we're going to be one of the best in the league."
Mathis believes Slay is ready to be a first-string player in his second season, replacing Chris Houston, who was cut in June because the team did not know when he would recover from foot surgery.
Behind them,NFL Jerseys From China, only Cassius Vaughn has significant experience in the NFL.
Detroit's cornerbacks will face opponents for the first time this year on Saturday night at home against the Cleveland Browns in an exhibition game. |
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