Did the Detroit Lions improve? Safety edition

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

2012 safeties: Louis Delmas, Amari Spievey, John Wendling, Erik Coleman

2013 safeties: Glover Quin, Louis Delmas, Don Carey, Amari Spievey, John Wendling, Chris Hope, Ricardo Silva, Tyrell Johnson, Martavius Neloms

One of the Lions' biggest offseason moves involved the safety position. Shortly after the start of free agency, they signed safety Glover Quin to a five-year deal worth $23.5 million. The Lions also re-signed Louis Delmas and Amari Spievey this offseason, and they gave Don Carey an extension at the end of last year. More recently, the Lions added veteran Chris Hope to give them even more depth at safety.

Did they improve?

The Quin signing alone makes this an absolute yes. It remains to be seen if Delmas will be able to make it through the season without missing time, but the Lions have an excellent safety tandem on paper. They also have some really solid depth with Carey returning and Hope joining the team. There's no doubt this position is much better than it was going into last season.

What about compared to 2011?

2011 safeties: Louis Delmas, Amari Spievey, John Wendling, Erik Coleman

Since the Lions had the same safeties at the start of each of the last two seasons, what was said above also applies here. The Lions have made significant strides at safety from a talent and depth standpoint.

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

Previously: Quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle, offensive guard, center, defensive end, defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback