Can D.J. Reed Be the Detroit Lions’ No. 1 Cornerback?

A Key Addition to Detroit’s Secondary

The Detroit Lions made significant moves to improve their secondary this offseason, bringing in three cornerbacks to fortify their defensive backfield. Among them, former New York Jet D.J. Reed stands out as the most impactful signing. With seven seasons of experience across three different teams, Reed arrives in Detroit with a chance to become the team’s top cornerback heading into the 2025 season and beyond.

His addition comes at a crucial time for the Lions, who lost veteran cornerback Carlton Davis to the New England Patriots just moments before securing Reed. Now, Detroit looks to the veteran defender to provide leadership, consistency, and playmaking ability in the secondary.

Physicality and Instincts Define Reed’s Game

At 5-foot-9, Reed may not have the prototypical size of a shutdown corner, but he more than makes up for it with his physical play and sharp instincts. He thrives in press coverage, an essential trait for the Lions’ defensive scheme. Reed does not shy away from contact and embraces the challenge of matching up against bigger, more physical receivers.

His ability to diagnose plays quickly allows him to react to routes before they fully develop. In a Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers, Reed displayed his high-level football IQ by breaking on a slant route from Deebo Samuel, deflecting the pass before the receiver could secure it. Plays like this highlight why Detroit sees him as a valuable asset to their defense.

Strong Coverage and Press Skills

Reed’s skill set extends beyond just short-area coverage. He has the ability to mirror receivers on deep routes, using his quick-twitch reactions and route recognition to stay attached in coverage. His 2024 season with the Jets demonstrated his effectiveness in coverage, earning a 70.1 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade while allowing a 58.3% completion rate and an opposing quarterback rating of 91.7.

The Lions emphasize press coverage, and Reed excelled in that role last season. According to NextGen Stats, he allowed just 1.1 yards per press coverage snap in each of the past four seasons, a testament to his ability to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage. His ability to play on an island makes him an ideal fit for the Lions’ defensive philosophy.

Stepping Into the No. 1 Corner Role

In New York, Reed played as the second cornerback opposite All-Pro Sauce Gardner. Now, in Detroit, he will be asked to take on the role of the primary shutdown corner. This transition presents a new challenge, but Reed’s skill set and experience suggest he is well-equipped to handle the responsibility.

The Lions have promising young talent in their secondary, including Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. Arnold, entering his second season, showed significant improvement late in his rookie year after struggling with penalties early on. Rakestraw, meanwhile, missed time due to injuries but has the potential to develop into a key contributor. With Reed leading the way, these younger defensive backs will have an experienced mentor to learn from.

How Detroit’s Secondary Will Shape Up

With Reed in place as the top cornerback, the Lions’ secondary will look significantly different in 2025. The team also brought in Avonte Maddox and Rock Ya-Sin, adding more depth and versatility to their defensive backfield. Meanwhile, Amik Robertson, who played a critical role last season, is expected to return to his natural slot corner position after temporarily filling in outside.

These additions reflect Detroit’s commitment to building a formidable pass defense. Reed’s presence brings stability and leadership, and his ability to thrive in press coverage makes him an ideal fit for the team’s aggressive defensive approach.

The Verdict: Can Reed Be Detroit’s No. 1 Corner?

D.J. Reed possesses all the traits necessary to thrive as the Lions’ top cornerback. While he may not have the same level of recognition as some elite defensive backs, his ability to disrupt routes, make plays on the ball, and provide veteran leadership make him a strong candidate for the role.

As Detroit prepares for the 2025 season, Reed will have the opportunity to prove he can handle the responsibility of being the team’s go-to cover man. If he can maintain his level of play and continue excelling in press coverage, he has the potential to be the shutdown corner the Lions have been searching for.