Eric King - nickel back, or more?

Sunday, July 5, 2009

MLive's Tom Kowalski says Lions CB Eric King, despite little playing time in his career, has solidified his position as the nickel back.

But can he move into a starting role? Sayeth Killer:

King, who has only started three games in his four-year career, is a very good player on the inside, both in zone and man-to-man coverage. King, though, can be vulnerable on the outside on deep routes and that's the concern in making him a starter. King has good speed but sometimes has difficulty mirroring the receiver and locating the ball.

Even if he wins the starting cornerback spot, King would likely be the guy who would move inside in nickel with the No. 3 corner occupying one of the outside positions.

Right now, the starting corners are Phillip Buchanon and Anthony Henry, but the Lions are considering moving Henry to safety. That decision could hinge on whether the coaching staff believes they have a viable option at corner.

My take? However this plays out, the Lions seem to have definitely upgraded their secondary from last year -- which, whether due to talent, scheme or both, was perhaps the NFL's worst ever.

Your take? Discuss it in The Den!