Did the Detroit Lions improve? CB edition

Our latest series on the Detroit Lions roster continues with a comparison of the cornerback position from 2012 to 2013. Did the Lions improve at cornerback? Let's take a look.

2012 CBs: Chris Houston, Bill Bentley, Jonte Green, Drayton Florence, Jacob Lacey, Kevin Barnes

2013 CBs: Chris Houston, Ron Bartell, Darius Slay, Bill Bentley, Jonte Green, Chris Greenwood, Ross Weaver, D.J. Johnson, DeQuan Menzie

The Lions got some added depth at cornerback this offseason simply with Chris Greenwood getting healthy. They also got some added depth at the end of last season by adding veteran Ron Bartell. Between those two guys, Chris Houston, second-year players Bill Bentley and Jonte Green and draft pick Darius Slay, there is a lot to like about this position going forward.

Did they improve?

This is an absolute yes. Let's put it this way: Barring injuries, the Lions won't have to make a trade or sign a veteran right before the 2013 season (see Kevin Barnes and Drayton Florence last year) to bolster their depth at cornerback. The addition of Slay gives the Lions another starting-caliber corner, and the three rookies from last year should be much better as they enter the 2013 season.

What about compared to 2011?

2011 CBs: Chris Houston, Eric Wright, Alphonso Smith, Aaron Berry, Brandon McDonald

Looking back at 2011, the Lions had a fairly decent set of cornerbacks. However, I would be pretty surprised if this year's group doesn't turn out to be better. The Lions have really revamped their cornerback position since 2011, mainly through the draft, and they have a lot of young talent as a result.

(Note: Players listed from 2011 and 2012 are based on the Lions' Week 1 roster in those seasons.)

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