Detroit Lions minicamp observations: Cornerback rotation intriguing

Dave Birkett | Detroit Free Press

Neither Teez Tabor nor Jamal Agnew saw much playing time on defense as rookies, but when the Detroit Lions kicked off mandatory minicamp Tuesday, both of the second-year defensive backs were on the field with the first-team defense.

Tabor worked as the outside cornerback opposite Darius Slay, with last year's starter Nevin Lawson on the second team, and Agnew played as the primary nickel cornerback in a secondary that included Glover Quin and Quandre Diggs.

I'd be surprised if that's how the Lions line up in their secondary when they open the season Sept. 10 against the New York Jets, but there's plenty of reason to believe that group will be on the field together at some point this year.

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Remember, Tavon Wilson is not taking part in team drills now as he continues to recover from a torn biceps, and Lawson is still a serviceable cover man. But Tabor is the type of big, physical cornerback first-year coach Matt Patricia liked in his old defense with the New England Patriots, and Agnew could have a role as a backup cornerback since he's likely to dress every week and handle punt returns.

Tabor held his own in spot duty late last season, and intercepted a pass off backup quarterback Matt Cassel on Tuesday. I haven't talked to Tabor this spring, but from my vantage point 100-plus yards away he appears to be playing with confidence.

Agnew isn't nearly as refined as a player, but he'll probably start the season as the backup slot cornerback and be active on gamedays considering how dangerous he is as a return man. Either Diggs (with Wilson as the other safety) or Tabor (with Lawson as the other cornerback) would be my guess to play out of the slot cornerback position to start the year.

More observations from Day 1:

♦ Plenty has been written about the Lions' lack of depth on the defensive line, and I'm among those who've wondered if that could be a problem this year. But my worries are somewhat tempered, after watching two days of practice, by the fact the Lions will bring pressure from anyone and everyone this year.

Patricia once again spent time Tuesday watching a half-line blitz drill, where the offensive line has to account for blitzing linebackers and defensive linemen. Like in New England, the Lions will use their linebackers heavy in the pass rush game this fall. So while Devon Kennard, Jarrad Davis and Christian Jones aren't your typical defensive ends, they do add depth to one of the thinnest areas on the team.

♦ Cassel worked ahead of Jake Rudock in the backup quarterback rotation Tuesday, a change from the Lions' open OTA last month when Rudock took No. 2 reps. Cassel is a well traveled vet, so there's not much question about what he is at this point in his career. But along with his interception to Tabor, he threw a pass during seven-on-seven drills that he'd surely like to have back: It was deflected at the line of scrimmage by one of the support staffers holding up a paddle to simulate a pass rusher with his hands raised.

♦ Tight end Michael Roberts caught my eye a couple times Tuesday with receptions he made during seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills. On one play in team period, Roberts ran a drag across the middle and pulled away from DeShawn Shead when he caught a pass and turned upfield. Luke Willson is the Lions' No. 1 tight end, but Roberts should get plenty of playing time this fall.

More: Lions TE Michael Roberts wants expanded role in 2018

♦ It appears Nick Bellore is a full-time fullback now. Listed as a linebacker by the team earlier this spring, Bellore now appears on the roster as a fullback and he once again worked exclusively at that position Tuesday.

♦ Alex Barrett still is listed as a defensive end on the Lions roster, but he worked out as a linebacker in individual drills Tuesday. At 6 feet 3 and 260 pounds, Barrett's best fit in Patricia's defense is probably as a linebacker.

♦ Your daily Frank Ragnow update: He played exclusively left guard once again, and there's no reason to think he won't man that position come fall.

More: Hall of Famer Willie Roaf: Frank Ragnow can be Pro Bowler

♦ Tight end Hakeem Valles did not practice Tuesday for undisclosed reasons, while wide receiver Andy Jones was the only player not spotted in uniform for the workout. Safety Tavon Wilson and offensive guard Joe Dahl remain in red no-contact jerseys.

♦ LeGarrette Blount declined comment when I asked him about Donald Trump's decision to disinvite his old team, the Philadelphia Eagles, from their White House visit Tuesday. Blount also declined to say if he was planning to attend the visit. According to reports, fewer than 10 players planned to visit the White House.

♦ Special teams coordinator Joe Marciano praised punter Sam Martin last week, saying he was "hitting 5.0s (in hang time) out of the wazoo." Martin was kicking on a side field Tuesday when he had one of the funnier moments of practice, rocking a 60-yard or so punt that hit a support staffer who was setting up hoops for a special-teams drill.

Well, I guess the moment was funny for everyone but the support staffer.

Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

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