The Daily Drive: Lions Add Depth at Cornerback, Re-sign Khalil Dorsey, Ink Rock Ya-Sin in Free Agency
The Detroit Lions have been busy in the early stages of the offseason, making significant moves to bolster their defense, particularly their cornerback position. After a promising 2023 season that saw the team make the playoffs for the first time in several years, the Lions are determined to continue building on that success. A key focus has been upgrading their defensive backfield, where inconsistency at the cornerback position has hindered them in recent seasons. The signings of Khalil Dorsey and Rock Ya-Sin provide the team with the depth and experience needed to improve their secondary in 2024.
Khalil Dorsey: A Familiar Face Returning to Motown
One of the first moves the Lions made this offseason was to re-sign cornerback Khalil Dorsey, who had spent the previous season with the team. Dorsey, who originally joined Detroit as an undrafted free agent in 2022, has steadily made a name for himself as a reliable depth piece for the Lions’ secondary.
In 2023, Dorsey showcased his potential as a special teams contributor and reserve cornerback. While his snaps on defense were limited, his contributions on special teams were noteworthy. He proved himself to be a hard-nosed, high-energy player who understood the team’s defensive schemes. With his familiarity with the system and work ethic, it made sense for the Lions to bring Dorsey back on a short-term deal to provide competition and depth in a secondary that was looking for consistency.
Re-signing Dorsey also signals the Lions’ commitment to keeping a stable core of players who are familiar with their defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s system. The former Towson product has room to grow, and with continued development, he could become a key player in the Lions’ defensive backfield. The decision to bring him back was a smart one, as it addresses both the need for depth and the potential for growth, all while maintaining continuity within the locker room.
Rock Ya-Sin: A Veteran Presence in Free Agency
Perhaps the most significant addition to the Lions’ cornerback corps came through free agency with the signing of Rock Ya-Sin, who spent the previous four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. Ya-Sin, a former second-round pick (No. 34 overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, brings both experience and skill to the Lions’ defense. Known for his physical style of play and ability to match up with top receivers, Ya-Sin is expected to make an immediate impact in Detroit.
Ya-Sin’s most notable strength is his ability to compete with large, physical wide receivers. Standing at 6 feet, 200 pounds, Ya-Sin brings a good balance of size and athleticism to the position. He is a tough, aggressive cornerback who excels in press coverage and is not afraid to mix it up in run support. His ability to disrupt routes and challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage should fit well in the aggressive, physical style of defense that the Lions have adopted under Glenn.
In his career, Ya-Sin has shown that he can be a shutdown corner when he’s at his best. Though his play has been somewhat up-and-down at times, the consistency of his approach and his tenacity make him an intriguing addition to a Lions defense that has lacked top-tier cornerback play. Over his career, Ya-Sin has 8 interceptions and 29 passes defensed, solid numbers that suggest he’s capable of creating turnovers while also shutting down key receivers in big moments. His performance in Las Vegas over the past two seasons further solidified his reputation as a cornerback capable of stepping up in key situations.
Ya-Sin’s signing was particularly crucial because it provided the Lions with an experienced cornerback who could step in and start immediately. While Detroit has young cornerbacks like Jeff Okudah and Jerry Jacobs, the team needed a proven veteran to pair with them and add stability to the back end of the defense. Ya-Sin, who has started 41 games in his career, will help provide that veteran leadership and experience in high-pressure situations.
The Impact on the Lions’ Defense
The Lions’ defense was one of the team’s biggest question marks heading into the 2023 season. While the offense, led by Jared Goff and the dynamic duo of Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery, was a strength, the defense often struggled with consistency. Detroit allowed an average of 24.8 points per game in 2023, ranking 30th in the league. While the team’s pass rush was a bright spot, their secondary often allowed big plays, especially against high-powered offenses.
The additions of Dorsey and Ya-Sin will significantly improve the cornerback position, which was one of the weaker links in 2023. By adding two players who can contribute immediately, the Lions are ensuring that they will be much more competitive in the back end of their defense. These moves also provide flexibility. If Okudah or Jacobs continue to develop, the Lions could have a very deep and talented secondary.
Another factor at play here is the Lions’ evolving pass rush. The front seven, led by standout defensive linemen like Aidan Hutchinson, has the potential to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. A strong pass rush is always an asset to the secondary, and the Lions’ defense could benefit significantly from increased pressure on quarterbacks. If the pass rush continues to improve, it will give Dorsey, Ya-Sin, and the rest of the secondary more opportunities to make plays.
Adding Ya-Sin and Dorsey also allows the Lions to play more press-man coverage, something that is vital for taking away quick throws and forcing quarterbacks to hold the ball longer. If the Lions can continue to generate pressure upfront and combine it with solid coverage in the secondary, they could have a much-improved defense in 2024.
A Glimpse Into the Future
As the 2024 season approaches, the Lions are shaping up to be one of the more balanced teams in the NFC. Their offense is already among the league’s most potent, but the defense has been the team’s Achilles’ heel. Adding depth at cornerback addresses a major area of concern and strengthens their chances of making a deeper playoff run in the coming seasons.
The re-signing of Dorsey and the addition of Ya-Sin also show the Lions’ commitment to building through both free agency and internal development. Dorsey, who is still young, could emerge as a key player in the future, while Ya-Sin provides a steady veteran presence. The combination of youth and experience will give the Lions plenty of options in the secondary, allowing them to be more versatile in how they approach different matchups.
Looking ahead, Detroit will need continued improvement from its young cornerbacks, particularly Jeff Okudah. Okudah has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to consistently perform at a top-tier level. Ya-Sin could push Okudah to become a better player by creating competition for the starting job, which could drive both players to elevate their game. With Ya-Sin providing stability and Dorsey offering depth, the Lions will have an enhanced secondary that should be able to compete with the best in the NFC.