D.J. Reed Just Gave the Lions’ Defense a Serious Glow-Up
The Detroit Lions lost some big names this offseason — offensive wizard Ben Johnson and defensive boss Aaron Glenn both dipped. That’s got a lot of fans and analysts wondering: can the new coordinators (John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard) keep the good vibes rolling?
Well, ESPN’s Field Yates isn’t sweating it. He admits, yeah, the offense might not light it up right away without Ben calling the shots. But in his eyes, this Lions squad — led by GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell — has earned our trust.
Now to the juicy part: the cornerback swap. Carlton Davis is out, and D.J. Reed is in. According to Yates, that’s a straight-up upgrade. Reed might not be leading the league in interceptions, but he’s a physical, gritty corner who fits Detroit’s aggressive style like a glove.
Yates says the defense as a whole is healthier, deeper, and flat-out more talented than last year — and Reed’s a big part of that. He thinks the Lions won’t just survive the changes — they’re built to thrive through them.
Bottom line: Reed brings energy, experience, and that chip-on-his-shoulder edge the Lions love. And if you’re still doubting this team after the last two seasons, you might want to rethink that.