Lions might have a major problem on defense if one DB struggles again

The Detroit Lions are heading into the 2026 NFL season with plenty of question marks, including the offensive line, the new coaching staff, and the defense.

If there is one position group that has become a major concern, it would be the secondary. The cornerback and safety rooms are in question, and for good reason. It's not a strong room at either spot to open the season.

With the secondary, there is one player whose continued struggles could derail the season. As ESPN's Ben Solak highlighted with the Lions' X-Factor, cornerback Rock Ya-Sin continuing to struggle would be a massive issue for the Detroit defense.

Rock Ya-Sin struggling for Lions could be a huge problem

"Since he entered the league, Ya-Sin is 12th among all corners in defensive penalties per coverage snap, though he was also ninth in average separation to targeted receivers, according to Next Gen Stats' tracking data and coverage model," Solak writes. "He needs to be just as sticky with fewer flags if the Lions' secondary will be competitive."

Detroit doesn't have a good secondary. Solak noted that the Lions' cornerback and safety rooms are "as dire as there is in the league."

Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are starting the season on the PUP list, leaving Avonte Maddox and Chuck Clark as the starting safeties. At cornerback, Ya-Sin and D.J. Reed will see the starting work.

This isn't a good secondary, but at least Reed is not a terrible starter. But what that means is opposing offenses will look to target Ya-Sin, making him a key defensive back for the Lions' secondary.

MORE: Jameson Williams predicted to be Lions leading receiver over Amon-Ra St. Brown

The 30-year-old cornerback wasn't terrible last season, allowing a 74.7 passer rating when targeted. If he can repeat that success while also limiting the penalties he takes, the Lions' defense might not be in as bad of a spot as they seem right now.

It's asking a lot of the veteran cornerback, but if he struggles, regresses in pass coverage, and still struggles to rein in his penalty tendencies, the Lions could be in big trouble with their already depleted secondary.

If the Detroit secondary struggles all season long, which is a real possibility if Ya-Sin can't fix his penalty issues while still playing sticky coverage, then it could be another letdown season for the Lions.

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