It’s no surprise that when Dan Campbell was asked which players have been shining this spring, he immediately named Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams. The speedsters have been lighting it up during OTAs, and Lions fans are already dreaming of big plays this fall. But Campbell wasn’t done handing out praise—and the next two names might surprise you.
Two of the Lions’ more under-the-radar offseason additions, DJ Reed and Avonte Maddox, are turning heads in Allen Park. They might not have generated headline buzz like Gibbs or Jamo, but their early impact on Detroit’s secondary hasn’t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.
Maddox brings seven seasons of experience from Philadelphia, including a Super Bowl ring in 2024 as a key depth piece. His veteran presence is exactly what Detroit’s young secondary needs as they look to take the next step.
Then there’s DJ Reed, who shined with the Jets across from Sauce Gardner. The Lions inked him to a three-year, $48 million deal this offseason, and so far, he’s proving why. Both Reed and Maddox are expected to help patch up one of Detroit’s few glaring weaknesses from last season—coverage. The Lions had the pass rush, but when it didn’t get home, the secondary often paid the price.
Campbell’s praise for these two isn’t just lip service—it signals that the team sees them as key pieces for a defense looking to match the firepower of its offense. Detroit already has the playmakers. Now it looks like they’re building the depth and toughness needed to make a real run in the NFC.
Of course, as Campbell made clear, it still starts with Gibbs and Williams. Their big-play potential demands attention every time they touch the ball. But if guys like Reed and Maddox keep showing up the way they have this spring, Detroit just might be one of the most complete teams in the league.
Dan Campbell Shouts Out Two New Lions Who Are Turning Heads Early
