:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16502355/20130103_kkt_bc2_001.0.jpg)
As we continue to get ready for Detroit Lions training camp, we're going to examine some of the position battles that will be worth keeping an eye on over the course of the next month and a half or so. Next up is the battle for the starting right cornerback job.
By re-signing Chris Houston, the Lions made it known that there wouldn't be any changes coming to the top of the depth chart at left cornerback. Houston will continue to be the Lions' No. 1 corner, and he will man the left side of the field for them.
On the right side, it's a much different situation. The starting right cornerback job is up for grabs going into training camp, and the Lions have a number of young players and one veteran set to compete for it.
The candidates
Let's start with the veteran. Ron Bartell, who is a Detroit native, joined the Lions at the end of last season. He may have only played in one game for the Lions, but he made a big impression as a starter, and in terms of experience, he's got the most of all the players in the mix to start at right cornerback.
If Bartell wants to start, he will have to fend off Darius Slay, Bill Bentley, Jonte Green and Chris Greenwood, all of whom are recent Lions draft picks. Bentley and Green both started multiple games in their rookie season, so they have a legitimate shot at starting this year. The same goes for Greenwood, who has received a lot of praise from Bartell despite missing his entire rookie year. Slay may actually have the best chance to start of all the young guys, as he was a second-round draft pick this year.
Who has the edge right now?
I have to give Bartell the slight edge over the young guys going into training camp simply because of his vast amount of experience. However, I would not be shocked at all if Slay quickly rises up the depth chart and is a starter by the time the preseason comes to an end.
Previously: Third-string quarterback, No. 4 wide receiver, starting right guard, starting right tackle, starting left outside linebacker