In Pro Football Focus’ latest secondary rankings for 2025, the New England Patriots snag the No. 5 spot… edging out the Detroit Lions, who slide in at No. 6. And the reason? According to PFF’s John Kosko, it’s Carlton Davis, now in Foxborough, who tipped the scales.
Davis joined the Patriots this offseason after a solid but injury-shortened stint with the Lions. While he praised Detroit on his way out, he also made it clear he wanted to be more of a “priority”—something he didn’t feel he was in Motown.
Ironically, Detroit might have upgraded. They signed D.J. Reed, one of the NFL’s most underrated corners, and they’re getting a healthy Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch back. Add in rising young talents like Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, and the Lions’ secondary should be deeper and better than last year.
> “Injuries derailed what could have been a special season for the Lions,” Kosko noted. “But they still boast top safeties and added Reed—one of the best signings of the offseason.”
Meanwhile, New England—now led by defensive-minded head coach Mike Vrabel—ranks higher largely because of Davis, as well as confidence in Christian Gonzalez and Jabrill Peppers.
But here’s where it gets dicey: Detroit didn’t really lose ground. They lost Davis but gained Reed. They’re healthier now than they were last postseason, when injuries gutted what could’ve been a deep playoff run.
So while Davis might be thriving in New England, Detroit fans have a fair question: Did the Lions really deserve to be ranked behind the Patriots?
From where we’re sitting, it looks more like addition by subtraction—and Detroit’s secondary might be primed for a breakout in 2025.
Carlton Davis Leaves Detroit, Lands on Top-5 Secondary While Lions Slip
