Nickel Competition could be settled against Lions

Week 3 of the preseason in the NFL is known as the dress rehearsal game. For the Ravens, this will give their coaches the largest possible sample size of either good or terrible play at the nickel position.

Jerraud Powers has been underwhelming. Tavon Young has been hurt. Will Davis however, has played rather well. Thought by most as an outside corner, Davis showed well in the slot against the Colts. He should be considered the leader at the position, if performance was the only benchmark.

Powers was brought in to be the specialist at this specific job. After strong OTA's, he has fallen flat on his face, perhaps showing why the Arizona Cardinals decided not to re-sign him.

Not much has been seen of Young. Training camp reports have been largely positive but Young has not seen in-game reps with the first team. Having struggled with injuries, he would figure as the biggest surprise if he were to win the starting nickel role.

The Detroit Lions will figure to present a challenge with both Golden Tate and Anquan Boldin seeing snaps in the slot. With starters expected to play three quarters, the nickel candidates will have the chance to be rotated in and play equal amounts of snaps against equal competition. May the best man win.