Did the Lions improve? CB edition

Our latest series on the Detroit Lions roster continues with a comparison of the cornerback position from 2014 to 2015. Did the Lions improve at cornerback? Let's take a look.

2014 CBs: Darius Slay, Rashean Mathis, Cassius Vaughn, Bill Bentley, Nevin Lawson, Mohammed Seisay, Josh Thomas

2015 CBs: Darius Slay, Rashean Mathis, Alex Carter, Nevin Lawson, Quandre Diggs, Josh Wilson, Chris Owens, Mohammed Seisay, Crezdon Butler

The Lions have made a few notable additions at cornerback since last season, and they've only said goodbye to Bill Bentley, Cassius Vaughn and Josh Thomas. While last week's move to release Bentley was a bit surprising, the other two departures are not a big deal. What is a big deal is that the Lions drafted Alex Carter in the third round and Quandre Diggs in the sixth round. Carter is more of a pick for the future than anything, but Diggs could be a contributor in the nickel this year. The same goes for Josh Wilson, who joined the team as a free agent.

Did they improve?

There's no doubt that the Lions got more talented and deeper at cornerback this year. Simply having Darius Slay with another year of experience will make the Lions better at cornerback, as will getting Nevin Lawson back from an injury that forced him to miss almost all of last season. When you add in the two rookies and veteran guys like Wilson and Chris Owens, who may not even make the team because the Lions have so many options in the nickel, this is a position that is built to succeed both now and in the future.

What about compared to 2013?

2013 CBs: Chris Houston, Rashean Mathis, Bill Bentley, Darius Slay, Jonte Green, Chris Greenwood

It's really night and day to look at the cornerback position from two years ago compared to now. Back in 2013, the Lions had to bench Slay, who was only a rookie, and they had numerous issues at cornerback with Chris Houston not playing anywhere close to the level of a No. 1 CB. Now, though, the Lions have two solid, reliable starters in Slay and Mathis, plenty of options in the nickel and a few guys to develop for the future.

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