The Detroit Lions retooled this offseason, aiming to build on last year’s top-10 defense. But with former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn departing for the Jets, changes on the field are just as crucial as those on the sidelines.
One of the biggest question marks heading into training camp is veteran defensive tackle DJ Reader. Signed last year to a two-year, $22 million deal after anchoring the Bengals’ defensive line, Reader delivered a solid 2024 campaign with 23 tackles, eight quarterback hits, and a career-high three sacks in 15 starts. Pro Football Focus graded him 36th out of 118 interior linemen.
But “solid” might not be enough anymore.
The Lions selected Ohio State standout Tyleik Williams with their first-round pick. At 6-foot-3 and 334 pounds, Williams combines brute strength with surprising agility, making him the type of game-wrecking nose tackle modern defenses covet. He posted 47 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in his final college season.
Detroit didn’t draft Williams to sit. With Alim McNeil locked into a starting role and depth players like Levi Onwuzurike and Roy Lopez fighting for spots, Reader’s job security is suddenly in jeopardy.
Unless Reader shines in training camp, his role could shrink fast—and with his contract expiring after the 2025 season, his time in Detroit might already be ticking down.
Reader’s experience still gives him a chance, but the pressure is on. He’ll need to bring intensity this summer to fend off Williams and prove he belongs at the center of Detroit’s defensive front.
Lions’ DJ Reader Facing Pressure as Rookie Tyleik Williams Pushes for Starting Spot
