Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press

INDIANAPOLIS -- Quandre Diggs played more than expected as a rookie sixth-round pick for the Detroit Lions last year.

And while new general manager Bob Quinn had good things to say about Diggs at the NFL combine, his evaluation of the Texas product could provide some clues as to what the Lions hope to do with the cornerback position this off-season.

“Quandre had a good season last season for the Lions,” Quinn said. “I have fully evaluated him and I think he’s a good player, primarily as an inside corner. That’s the best thing that he does, and that’s a very important position. We’re going to be in sub or nickel defense 70% to 75% of the time, so you really need three corners on the field at all times.”

The Lions return Diggs and starters Darius Slay and Nevin Lawso, but need to find a replacement for Rashean Mathis (and, to a lesser extent, Josh Wilson, Diggs’ predecessor at slot cornerback).

Alex Carter, a third-round pick out of Stanford last year, is one option, but Carter spent his entire rookie season on the physically unable to perform and injured reserve lists, and the Lions aren’t sure what role he’ll be ready for this fall.

Lawson played well after taking over for Mathis and has the dual ability to cover slot receivers inside. But with Diggs being “primarily” a slot cornerback, the Lions need to find an outside option to challenge Lawson for a starting job or, at minimum, serve as a backup.

Several No. 2-caliber cornerbacks are expected to hit free agency next month, including Janoris Jenkins, Casey Hayward and Prince Amukamara, though none will come cheap.

In the draft, players such as Ohio State’s Eli Apple, Houston’s William Jackson III and Virginia Tech’s Kendall Fuller are potential top-50 picks.

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Note: The NFL combine wrapped up today with defensive back drills and, as expected Florida State’s Jaylen Ramsey -- one of the top prospects in the draft -- had a strong day. Auburn’s Jonathan Jones ran the day’s fastest 40-yard dash (4.33 seconds), and Jackson, who led the nation with 28 passes defended last year, ran a 4.37.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett. Download our free Lions Xtra app on your Apple and Android devices.