The Least Talked About Position On The Defensive Side Of The Ball Has Its Own Issues As Well
Coming near draft day and free agency, you hear a lot of chatter going around the fandom with the NEED for a number two cornerback. The NEED for a starting linebacker. The NEED for an edge rusher. While those positions do need to be addressed in the upcoming dates, you know what else NEEDS help that nobody is really addressing? The safety position. Sure it isn’t the biggest need on the team when it comes to defense, but it is something that needs to be addressed and soon.
Glover Quin
The leader in the secondary, Glover Quin had another good year in Detroit. He has proven his worth in his five year contract and with him becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2018, should make Detroit start drawing up plans to have him sign an extension.
Decision: Stay
Miles Killebrew
Killebrew had an interesting year. While he rarely got to play his true position at safety, he was lined up in a three-safety look and technically played nickel linebacker. He did well at it and when asked to play the deep safety spot, he did his job. While he wasn’t fantastic or a big playmaker, he make big tackles when needed. He has a bright future ahead.
Decision: Stay
Don Carey
Don Carey was asked to do a lot this season. With injuries nagging the secondary, he played some safety, and even lined up at cornerback, something he was horrible at doing. Carey is a special teams type of player, and a good one at that. While Johnson Bademosi is another great special teams player, having two doesn’t hurt anybody and Carey can come in at safety if somebody goes down. A good veteran presence.
Decision: Stay
Tavon Wilson
Wilson had a career year in 2016. In years past he was a backup and rarely saw the field. When coming to Detroit he started 14 games and did well at that. His coverage and tackling though, weren’t the greatest. While he was able to snag two interceptions, he couldn’t always stay put in coverage and he couldn’t always get the ball-carrier down. He will have to compete for a starting job next season though; while he did well, he could lose his job to a better safety.
Decision: Stay
Rafael Bush
Playing all 16 games plus the extra playoff game was a first for Bush since 2012. He signed a “prove it” deal with Detroit and he proved he could play well when he is healthy. Bush was able to get two interceptions, one for a touchdown, and 48 total tackles. While fans would like him to return, he will ask for too much money after having a healthy year. Detroit will have to pass on him, unless he can sign a cheap deal to return.
Decision: Go
Possible Additions
- Chris Conte
- Donte Whitner
- John Cyprien
- Barry Church
- Tony Jefferson
- D.J. Swearinger
- Micah Hyde
- T.J. McDonald
- Jamal Adams, LSU
- Obi Melifonwu, UCONN
- Budda Baker, Washington
- Montae Nicholson, Michigan State
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