ALLEN PARK -- Darius Slay graded out as one of the worst cornerbacks in the NFL last year. And he might have to be the Detroit Lions' top cornerback this year.

That kind of pressure would bother a lot of young players. But not Slay.

"It just shows a lot of people believe in my talent, and what I can do, and what I can bring to the table," he said. "And I'm going to bring it."

Slay was dreadful for much of his rookie season, and his confidence was shaken during one particularly bad stretch in October and early November. But it's clearly not broken.

He finished last season on a high note, playing his best games on Thanksgiving against Green Bay and in the season finale against Minnesota.

Then he flew across the country to Pleasonton, Calif., to pore over his film with Hall of Famer Rod Woodson.

Slay has reworked his game, focusing on being more aggressive at the top of routes, as well as not looking too much at quarterbacks. And he's used those lessons to turn in some wonderful performances during OTAs and again this week during mandatory minicamp.

He's been sticky with most receivers not named Calvin Johnson, and he's even had a few nice moments against the superstar.

"It's hard to catch a ball on me," Slay said. "It's a good week. Things have been pretty good."

Perhaps most impressive is his burst. Slay's ability to make up ground on a receiver is next-level.

"We all know and realize that he does indeed have skill and ability. The guy can run. He can flat run," coach Jim Caldwell said. "He's got all the physical tools that you're looking for. He's just lacking a little bit of experience.

"He got a lot of experience out there, obviously, working through our practice sessions that we've had thus far. It's been a couple months now we've been working and he's grown. He's gotten a little bit better. He's coming along."

And?

"He's more confident," Caldwell added, importantly. "It's a new scheme, but he's making good progress. We feel good about where he's heading."

Slay fits in well physically to the new scheme. He is 6-foot with 4.36 speed, which should allow him to flourish in the new press-man system. And Detroit will need him to.

With Chris Houston out for the foreseeable future with a toe injury -- and concern growing about his availability for the start of the season -- Slay appears ticketed for the starting lineup.

He could be even be the No. 1 guy, depending on how Rashean Mathis fares.

And Slay appears up for the challenge, physically and mentally.

"I'm stepping up my game a lot more because I have a lot depending on my team, and my team depending on me," Slay said. "I'm just going to make the plays I can make."