ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions traded away a fifth-round pick to move up eight spots and select Stanford’s Alex Carter in the third round of the NFL draft.
That indicates they have a specific plan for the defensive back. And the plan appears to be this:
Carter will begin his Lions career at cornerback, probably on the outside, though no one has ruled out the nickel either. And because of his size, physicality and tackling ability, he could eventually transition to safety — a move he says he would embrace.
“I think he has some ability to play safety,” Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said, “but he’s definitely going to be a corner for us when he gets here.”
Carter joins a crowded secondary that returns its starters intact. Darius Slay and Rashean Mathis will man the outside corner posts, while Bill Bentley and Nevin Lawson are back at the nickel.
It’s unclear how Carter fits into that mix, though the most likely outcome is he backs up Mathis for a year, or possibly two, and then eventually moves into the starting lineup opposite Slay.
“It’s a meritocracy,” Mayhew said. “He’s come in, he’ll be tried out at different positions, and on special teams, and on defense, and we’ll see how he does. Certainly has the ability, very sharp guy. I think he’s going to learn very fast.” MORE