Detroit Lions rookie cornerback Darius Slay has insisted that he wants to make the most of the "great opportunity" he has been given in the first team.

Slay will play in the Lions' pre-season match against the New England Patriots in place of usual starter Ron Bartell and said that he is confident dealing with the likes of Tom Brady.

"Great opportunity," he told the Detroit News. "I am blessed to have that chance. He's one of the best but I am ready.

"I've always been comfortable, always been confident in what I do and who I'm going against. I've never had to worry about competing with nobody."

Slay was picked in the second round in the 2013 draft.