We are five weeks away from the Detroit Lions' season opener against the Saints. With a week of training camp under their belt, the Lions are getting a better idea of what the team might look like in Week 1.
Before training camp, Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes both talked extensively about how happy they are with the depth of the roster. They were expecting intense positional battles in training camp, and that has proven to be true so far.
The cornerback room has been one of the most intriguing battlegrounds in camp. After Terrion Arnold's departure, the Lions decided not to make a significant addition. This opens up a starting spot opposite DJ Reed. It also created an opportunity for defenders lower on the pecking order to earn their way into a spot on the 53-man roster.
One of those players has been Nick Whiteside. The 26-year-old cornerback has been a bright spot over the last week, earning praise from Campbell.
Earlier this week, Campbell talked about how Whiteside has been making plays every day of practice. He highlighted his contributions on both special teams and defense before saying, "This is about to get interesting," per The Athletic's Colton Pouncy.
Campbell was referring to the competition in the cornerback room.
Nick Whiteside is making his case to make the 53-man roster
Earlier in camp, Campbell said that Rock Ya-Sin was the favorite to be the CB2 to begin the season. He also praised Ya-Sin in his remarks, highlighting the plays he makes and the "way he competes." He continued to express the organization's "high hopes" for Ennis Rakestraw Jr. as well, before adding that he has been displaying intriguing flashes.
But Whiteside stands above the rest in the way he has impressed all week. He has been singled out by many camp watchers and reporters as one of the stars of the camp. The plays he has been making certainly give him a chance to crack the roster, unlike last season.
Whiteside was still able to make the roster during the season, finishing the year with nine appearances. The highlight of the season came against Tampa Bay in Week 7 when he had three pass breakups and allowed only one catch in five targets. He fell behind in the depth chart once the Lions got healthier, but Whiteside proved that he could make plays in limited snaps.
Last season, the Lions brought in five cornerbacks into the final roster: Arnold, Reed, Amik Robertson, Khalil Dorsey, and Rock Ya-Sin. There was also Avonte Maddox, who could get reps on the outside if needed.
This year, the Lions have Reed, Ya-Sin, Dorsey, Rakestraw, Roger McCreary, and Keith Abney in the cornerback rotation. Including Whiteside, that's seven players. Who will be the odd man out in that group remains to be seen, but it's difficult to imagine it will be Whiteside if he keeps this up in training camp.
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