The Detroit Lions' secondary was a shell of itself in the final game of the season, a playoffs loss to the Washington Commanders that still stings among Lions fans.
The Lions' rebooted their secondary this offseason after cornerback Carlton Davis III left for the New England Patriots, adding former Jets cornerback DJ Reed to a talented group.
Recently, Reed took to the podium in Allen Park, Michigan to share his thoughts on the Lions' defensive backfield, giving "best in the NFL" praise to three Lions defenders with OTAs (Organized Team Activities) under way.
"You can argue that they're both (Kerby Joseph & Brian Branch) the best safeties in the NFL right now," Reed said of his new teammates.
"You can see why (Amik Robertson) is the best nickel."
The Lions lost defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, himself a star defensive back during his playing days, to the New York Jets before replacing him with former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard.
Reed had 52 solo tackles and 11 pass break-ups last season and will join a secondary of players known for their ball-hawking abilities.
Branch excels at forcing fumbles and Joseph excels at intercepting passes.
Robertson, meanwhile, shut down Vikings superstar pass catcher Justin Jefferson during the Lions' division clinching final win of the regular season, and will now look to build on what was a solid season in Motown.
If Reed can learn a thing or two from his Lions contemporaries and begin making more game-changing plays, the Lions could have the best secondary in the league next season.
