Cam Sutton: Lots of Players 'Don't Really Understand the Game'

New Detroit Lions defensive back feels he has a deep understanding of NFL football.

One of the reasons cornerback Cam Sutton wanted to sign with the Detroit Lions was the opportunity to play for head coach Dan Campbell. 

“Seeing what he’s been doing around the league, it’s exhilarating, man. Like, guys love this guy," said Sutton. "Not just me speaking, but you see how far it spreads around the league. Guys want to play for him. Guys love the energy and everything he brings to the game. He’s passionate, and he’s always going to be passionate about what he does. You need that. You need someone who’s going to be head over heels.”

Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and the coaching staff realized quickly in their evaluations that Sutton's game would translate in a secondary desperately seeking an upgrade. 

"I'm not just a cornerback, I'm not just a nickel, I'm not just a safety. I'm an overall defensive back who can affect the game and be what you need me to be," said Sutton, via The Detroit News. "Don't get me wrong, if you need me in a stationary role, you need me to play outside, whatever that is, I'll do it. It's about impacting the game."

Part of the reason the veteran defensive back is able to play and play well at multiple different positions is his ability to understand the game at a much deeper level. 

"A lot of guys know the game, but they don't really understand the game, knowing the why. It's about honing in on the details of why these things are happening, what you see and believing it," Sutton said. "When you put the preparation into it -- and granted, things are going to happen, that's part of the game. But, you see it, put the time in it, so go get it."

In 16 appearances last season, Sutton recorded 43 tackles, and set career-highs in pass defenses (15) and interceptions (three).