Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is taking a page out of Aaron Glenn's former playbook when it comes to handling media appearances.
Ahead of Thursday's training camp, Sheppard - who took over from Glenn after he departed for a head coaching job with the New York Jets this offseason - seemed fired up and motivated to not only praise his defense, but to hammer home the importance of holding them accountable.
He offered positive notes on every defender he was asked about in the press conference, with the most notable being Aidan Hutchinson. The pass rusher is returning from a major leg injury suffered back in 2024, but according to Sheppard, Hutchinson looks poised to actually best the pace he was setting prior to breaking his leg.
“I see a better player than we had last year. You might be like, 'Whoa!' That's the same thing I said when I saw him out there, 'Whoa!,' said Sheppard when asked about Hutchinson's progression in camp so far.
Sheppard shines in first training camp availability
In addition to him, he also had praise for Terrion Arnold, sharing he feels like he's taken a "major leap" this offseason not only with his game, but with his mental fortitude. That's excellent to hear about one of your youngest secondary weapons who already had a promising 2024 season.
“Arnold took a huge leap in my opinion this offseason. He progressed during his rookie year but he’s come in not only this offseason but this training camp looking like a different guy. His body is more developed. But also, from the neck up, the mental aspect of the game. He’s seeing it faster. He’s feeling the routes faster. That’s a guy I’ve already seen a leap in.”
A surprising defender mentioned by Sheppard is rookie pass rusher Ahmed Hassanein, one of the more raw prospects that were available in this year's draft. The former Boise State defender still has a lot to learn before being inserted consistently into the defensive rotation, but Sheppard said that he so far has enjoyed seeing Hassanein progress in training camp.
"Don't turn him into Lawrence Taylor," said Sheppard about Hassanein specifically, but was still obviously thrilled about the culture fit for Hassanein with a team built on grit, grit, grit.
It's exciting, to say the least, that the Lions are seemingly bouncing back from losing two top coordinators by hiring in-house coaches. Detroit has developed so well not only within their player ranks, but within their coaching tree.
We can't know for sure how well the Lions will do in the NFC North this year after losing Ben Johnson - who treacherously left for the Chicago Bears - and Glenn, but if Sheppard's clear football mind is any indication, the Lions defense will be just fine in Glenn's absence.
