Detroit Lions cornerback Ron Bartell has admitted that he is enjoying the battle for a starting spot in 2013.

With Chris Houston expected to start, Bartell is challenging rookie Darius Slay and Bill Bentley for the spot on the other side, which the veteran says will ensure that the Lions are strong at secondary.

"We're definitely battling out there, but there's a lot of depth here," he told Islandpacket.com. "I feel like this can be a strong secondary."

Bartell made seven NFL appearances last season, six for Oakland Raiders and one for the Lions.