Terrion Arnold’s preliminary listening to set to start Monday, the Detroit Lions discover themselves in a tough place whatever the authorized consequence. Even within the best-case situation, if Arnold stays with the group, he might nonetheless face a prolonged NFL suspension beneath the league’s private conduct coverage. That uncertainty has already pressured Detroit to put together for all times with out its projected beginning cornerback, opening the door for an additional participant to seize a major function.
During obligatory minicamp, veteran Rock Ya-Sin and third-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. took first-team reps in Arnold’s absence. While Rakestraw stays an intriguing younger possibility, Ya-Sin seems to be the favourite to begin reverse newly acquired cornerback DJ Reed if Arnold is unavailable when the common season begins.
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Rakestraw has appeared in simply eight video games over his first two NFL seasons and continues to be growing after accidents restricted his early profession. Although the Lions stay excessive on his long-term potential, counting on an inexperienced participant to step right into a full-time beginning function may very well be a danger.
That makes Ya-Sin probably the most vital depth items on Detroit’s roster.
Originally chosen by the Indianapolis Colts with the thirty fourth total decide within the 2019 NFL Draft, Ya-Sin spent three seasons in Indianapolis earlier than making stops with the Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Ravens. He joined the Lions final season and offered useful depth within the secondary, showing in all 17 video games whereas making six begins.
Throughout his NFL profession, Ya-Sin has began 45 video games and recorded two interceptions, 40 go breakups, two pressured fumbles and 246 whole tackles. While he has by no means developed right into a shutdown nook, he has persistently confirmed able to contributing as a dependable starter when known as upon.
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According to Pro Football Focus, Ya-Sin earned a 62.8 total defensive grade in the course of the 2025 season, rating 57th amongst 114 certified cornerbacks. His 64.8 protection grade ranked fiftieth, whereas his 50.8 run-defense grade ranked 87th on the place. He didn’t document an interception however completed with 5 go breakups, allowed a 77.7 passer score when focused and surrendered 27 receptions in protection. He additionally added 36 solo tackles in run help.
Those numbers represented a noticeable enchancment from the earlier season. In 2024, Ya-Sin performed simply 63 defensive snaps and completed with a 44.2 total PFF grade and a 50.3 protection grade whereas permitting just one reception in restricted motion.
His 2023 marketing campaign was extra consultant of a rotational function, as he logged 279 defensive snaps, earned a 63.3 total grade and a 63.8 protection grade whereas permitting 11 receptions.
The highest-graded season of his profession got here in 2021 with Indianapolis. That yr, Ya-Sin posted a 69.9 total PFF grade and a formidable 72.4 protection grade whereas permitting 26 receptions throughout 592 defensive snaps.
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Now, Detroit might have him to return to that stage of play. With Arnold’s future unsure and the Lions aiming to compete for a championship, Ya-Sin might as soon as once more discover himself in a full-time beginning function. For the primary time since his rookie season, he has a authentic alternative to begin double-digit video games and play a significant function for Detroit.