ALLEN PARK — We love to talk Detroit Lions’ cornerbacks. Over the years it’s become an offseason tradition.

This year is no different.

Who will line up opposite Chris Houston when the season opens on Sept. 8?

Will it be rookie Darius Slay, the second-round pick?

Maybe.

How about Chris Greenwood, Bill Bentley or Jonte Green who were drafted in 2012?

Maybe, maybe, maybe.

However, during the OTAs (organized team activities) Ron Bartell has been the guy opposite Houston. That doesn’t mean he will start, but he’s getting a good, early look

The 31-year-old Bartell was signed last Dec. 17 to help out due to so many cornerback injuries.

“I thought he played well at the end of the year,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said. “We played the Bears in the last game of the season. They tested him early and he did a good job defending those balls. 

“He’s got great size (6-foot-1, 210), he’s got some experience, he’s got a lot of experience. He’s got great size and he’s right in the mix with the other guys,’’ Schwartz said.

Bartell played seven seasons with the St. Louis Rams. Then last season with the Oakland Raiders before he was released on Dec. 10.

“He’s a veteran player and he’s seen a lot of different things, played a lot of different schemes so he’s a quicker study and getting up to speed whereas the rookies everything is new to them,’’ Schwartz said.

Slay has yet to participate in OTAs because he’s recovering from minor knee surgery.

Bentley had earned the start out of training camp last summer, but a shoulder injury ended his season early.

Green played more than Bentley or Greenwood and certainly got off to a good start for a rookie.

Greenwood didn’t play a snap after he was injured during OTAs a year ago. He’s a mystery man at this point.

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