Q&A: Rock Ya-Sin Shares Early Camp Thoughts

The Detroit Lions have the makings of a loaded secondary room, and one potential catalyst for the group is veteran Rock Ya-Sin.

Signed to a one-year deal this offseason, Ya-Sin has inside-out versatility and can help the Lions' defense in multiple ways. He's demonstrated strong tackling ability throughout the early stages of camp, and has been taking first-team reps at times amidst injuries.

Detroit Lions OnSI caught up with Ya-Sin following Tuesday's practice to discuss his decision to come to Detroit, his expectations for the season and much more.

Note: Questions and answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

What have been your early impressions of training camp with the Lions?

Ya-Sin: "It's been good, it's been competitive. A lot of learning, a lot of competing. Just an opportunity to get better out here, every day. I'm enjoying it, taking it snap-by-snap, series-by-series, practice-by-practice, day by day. Keep ascending."

What made Detroit an appealing destination in free agency?

Ya-Sin: "Just the mentality here, the culture here. Obviously it's a really good team, last year, last few years it's just been building and building. I felt like this is gonna be the year that this team gets over the hump and does some things that are really special."

The secondary has clear potential to be one of the team's strengths. How strong do you feel this room is?

Ya-Sin: "The sky's the limit for this room. You've got D.J. (Reed), T.A. (Terrion Arnold), Ennis (Rakestraw), Amik (Robertson), B.B. (Brian Branch), Kerby (Joseph), Avonte (Maddox). It's a really, really deep, talented room. I'm excited to compete with these guys, build and learn with these guys and continue to get better."

You're matching up with talented receivers every day in practice. What are your initial takeaways from working against this offense in practice every day?

Ya-Sin: "It's just a really talented offense. Talented running backs, good O-line, really good quarterback in J.G., some All-Pro receivers, tight end. You can just go down the line. And then the play-calling is really (good), it's balanced. Every time we get an opportunity to go out here and compete against these guys, we're only sharpening our sword and continuing to get better."

Have any young players consulted you for advice or film review?

Ya-Sin: "We always learn from each other — in the film room, outside of the film room, on the field. We're always learning from each other, trying to ascend and get better."