The Detroit Lions added cornerback D.J. Reed in free agency, and Dan Campbell was particularly impressed with a specific moment while watching him play in 2024.
The Detroit Lions' biggest offseason addition has been D.J. Reed, a move that many believe is fantastic because of the quality traits the cornerback brings to the roster.
While the Lions have mostly chosen to re-sign their own free agents, Reed represents the biggest spend outside the family. It was a move that made sense, given not only what Detroit needed defensively, but also the fit of Reed with the team.
Dan Campbell saw those traits last season watching crossover tape on his new cornerback. While Reed is an elite talent, the coach confirmed the move to add him had more to do with the mindset he brings competitively.
"One of the best things I saw (on tape), early in the year, he got beat on a play," said Campbell. "To watch him put his foot in the ground, kind of stumble out. It was one of the rare times he got beat, (but) cornerback, that's part of this league. He puts his foot in the ground and he is on a beeline. He doesn't have time to think about it, he's just on a beeline to try to angle this guy off."
"I thought that was one of the most impressive things. This guy doesn't go in the tank. He's not worried about what it looks like. He's just trying to compete and win, and he lines up and goes back for more. That says it all. He's got the attributes. He's got the skill level. He's feisty. He's competitive. He doesn't get down."
Sticking with the play and staying mentally tough are attributes the Lions seek when building their roster. Arguably, the addition of many such players has them in a position where they are winning division titles and playoff games.
When adding players, the Lions have shown an unwillingness to compromise on these bedrock principles. If an elite talent overlaps, Brad Holmes pursues them. That approach has proven a winner for team building.
ESPN analyst gave the Detroit Lions a perfect grade for signing D.J. Reed
Not only is the addition of Reed popular with Campbell and the franchise decision makers, but it has been a hit with analysts after free agency as well.
ESPN analyst Seth Walder has been grading every signing as they happen. In terms of adding Reed, he offered an 'A' grade and admitted he loves Detroit bolstering the secondary with an underrated talent.
"Here are Reed's yards allowed per coverage snap from 2022 to 2024: 0.6, 1.0 and 0.8, respectively. That's three straight seasons better than average (1.1) in the category relative to other outside corners. Dating to his time in Seattle, Reed has been better than average in five consecutive seasons," writes Walder.
After Carlton Davis departed, the Lions added a similar talent for less money. That's a win for Detroit. Whether the Lions have made the right moves for their pass rush is up for debate, but it's clear they have made a great addition to their secondary in Reed for multiple reasons.
