By Adeniyi Precious 
New Lions cornerback D.J. Reed might have a future as an NFL scout. Back in 2023, while playing for the New York Jets, Reed urged head coach Robert Saleh to draft Alabama safety Brian Branch with their first-round pick.
“I told Coach Saleh, ‘You gotta get Brian Branch at 17. This guy is a dawg,’” Reed recalled in a recent interview with DetroitLions.com’s Dannie Rogers.
But the Jets passed on Branch, and he ended up falling to the second round, where the Detroit Lions jumped at the chance to take him 45th overall. Two years later, that decision has paid off big time—Branch has already racked up seven interceptions, 15 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a Pro Bowl selection.
Now, Reed will get a chance to play alongside Branch in Detroit. The talented young safety was a big reason he chose to sign with the Lions in free agency.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with the safety duo,” Reed said. “Two All-Pro safeties? That’s going to take my game to the next level.”
As for the Jets, they went with defensive end Will McDonald IV at No. 15 instead, and that pick worked out fine—McDonald notched 10.5 sacks and 24 quarterback hits last season.
LooStill, Reed’s instincts weren’t wrong. The Lions now have one of the best safety tandems in the NFL, and he’s thrilled to be part of it.