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Lions Training Camp: Alphonso Smith Getting Work As Starting Corner

One of the biggest question marks for the Detroit Lions in 2012 pertains to their cornerback depth chart - namely: what will it look like? With Eric Wright out of the picture via free agency and Aaron Berry being released after his second arrest of the offseason, the Lions lost their presumed top two guys at the position going forward. Wright would have been the starter, with Berry competing for the No. 2 spot with Chris Houston.

Now, Houston is penciled in as the No. 1 guy and ... what comes next? Well, if the opening depth chart for training camp is anything to go by, Alphonso Smith could be the No. 2 guy. The Detroit Free Press had an article in which it was noted that Smith took first-team reps at cornerback opposite Houston on Saturday.

Of course, Jim Schwartz is adamant that depth charts in training camp aren't necessarily indicative of what's actually going to happen, but even if someone else is playing that right cornerback spot next practice, it still fell on Smith to get the first crack at it, and that could mean the Lions believe he's going to be that guy next season.

Smith started 10 games for the Lions in 2010, but injuries and other circumstances prevented him from cracking the starting lineup a season ago. Rookie third-round pick was starting at the nickel position, according to the piece, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him get a little time at the No. 2 spot before training camp is all over. But for now, it may just be Smith's job to lose.

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