Lions' Carter would love chance in slot

Following injuries to their top two nickel cornerbacks last season, Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin used a three-safety look with Isa Abdul-Quddus or Don Carey joining the starters.

This season, the Lions have a few smaller cornerbacks who could fill the traditional slot role, but if they want a bigger player there, Alex Carter, a third-round pick, said he'd love the chance.

The Lions drafted the 6-foot, 196-pound Carter as a long-term option outside, hopefully the running mate for Darius Slay assuming 34-year-old Rashean Mathis doesn't play until he's 40. Carter has the strength the Lions covet, and having an opportunity to learn behind Mathis should help.

When the Lions drafted Carter and Quandre Diggs (sixth round), cornerbacks coach Tony Oden said they'd teach both inside and outside skills.

"They haven't put me at nickel, but if they do in camp, then I would love it," Carter said.

For now, the competition for nickel likely will be between Josh Wilson, Nevin Lawson and Diggs, who are all 5-10 or shorter. And even if one wins the job, the Lions still could use Carey or Glover Quin in the slot.

Carter, though, said he's comfortable in coverage, blitzing or in run support, which could make him the first option off the bench.

Regardless of his role, Carter, 20, said he plans to contribute on special teams and hopes to be a gunner on punts and earn a role on kickoffs. He also said he'll prepare like he'll be starting in case he has that chance.

"I'm in the playbook," Carter said. "I know what to do if I'm there."

jkatzenstein@detroitnews.com

twitter.com/jkatzenstein