Ifeatu Melifonwu Reacts to Playing Safety
Entering the 2022 NFL season, second-year pro Ifeatu Melifonwu knows he has a chance to prove his worth.
The 2021 third-round pick not only intends on staying healthier throughout the course of the upcoming season (he only played in seven games as a rookie), but he also plans on adding positional versatility to his resume.
Drafted as a cornerback out of Syracuse, Melifonwu played exclusively at corner as a first-year pro. In 242 total defensive snaps and 34 special teams snaps, he amassed 15 total tackles, three passes defensed and two fumble recoveries.
Going into the '22 campaign, it doesn't look like the Detroit Lions will limit him to one position.
In fact, he logged snaps at both cornerback and safety during organized team activities a week ago.
While it will definitely take time for Melifonwu to get used to lining up at safety, it's something he's embraced so far.
"I like it. It’s a different perspective. Definitely a different perspective," Melifonwu expressed during his OTAs media session. "You see the whole field instead of just one side of the formation. I’m still getting used to it. I like corner, as well. It’s honestly two different things. I’m getting used to it.”
The Lions have plenty of options at cornerback going into the 2022 season. From Jeff Okudah and Amani Oruwariye, to Jerry Jacobs and A.J. Parker, there is stiffer competition at corner than safety for the organization.
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Meanwhile, at safety, Detroit is still trying to figure out who will start opposite Tracy Walker, who was inked to a three-year deal this offseason.
So, it only makes sense for Dan Campbell & Co. to give Melifonwu a look at safety, something that was brought up to him as a possibility by the Lions and other franchises during his pre-draft interviews.
"The plan, AG (Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn) and the coaches just asked me to try it. I’m a football player, so they kind of want to put me in different spots (and) see what works,” Melifonwu said.
He also knows the ability to play multiple positions brings additional value to his role with the Lions.
“It’s (a) huge value, because now I kinda know what everyone is doing," Melifonwu told reporters. "At corner, you might know what the safety to your side is doing, and maybe the backer to your side or the d-end. But, at safety, you literally know what everyone is doing. Like I get to see the full field.
“Tracy is a leader back there. I've been talking to Tracy, C.J. Moore and DeShon (Elliott). Everyone, we kinda just always talk about it. The calls in the huddle, and we talk to each other. I feel like we’re all just helping each other.”
It remains to be seen how much Glenn will deploy Melifonwu at safety this upcoming season, but the team's willingness to use the second-year pro at the position in OTAs is at least a sign that he's due for an uptick in playing time in '22.
