Lions DB coach reveals plans for secondary and it will shock you

A large number of cornerbacks and safeties is a good problem to have for the Detroit Lions going into 2025.

What has been an issue for the Lions in recent years seems like it may be a strength going into the season. The Lions added D.J. Reed, Avonte Maddox, and a healthy Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to an already solid young core of DBs.

The issue with having so many talented DBs, is how you align them on the defense to produce the best results. Lions' DB coach Deshea Townsend spoke with the media on Thursday and discussed his plans for the Lions' secondary, and specifically Avonte Maddox and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

Townsend discusses the roles of Rakestraw, Maddox, and others

The Lions drafted Ennis Rakestraw Jr. at pick No. 61 in the 2024 draft, but he unfortunately missed most of the 2024 season due to various injuries. Going into this season, the Lions are looking for their former second-round pick to make a big impact.

"Right now, we are going to let him focus [on the] outside," said Townsend when asked where they expect Rakestraw to play. "We're going to let him go compete out there."

A big reason for pigeon-holing Rakestraw as an outside cornerback is the wealth of guys the Lions have that can play the slot corner, or nickel position. Amik Robertson did a phenomenal job in the slot last season, and new addition Avonte Maddox can help there as well.

"Amik has done a really good job [in the slot], we have Avonte, who is another position flex type of person," said Townsend.

Read more: Lions have one great advantage to soften blow of difficult 2025 schedule

It looks like Avonte Maddox will most likely end up as a depth piece in case of injuries for the Lions. The Lions seemingly have a wealth of cornerback injuries each season, so Maddox should prove to be valuable.

In the slot, Lions fans and coaches have high expectations for cornerback Amik Robertson this season. Robertson had a phenomenal first year in Detroit, including locking up Justin Jefferson in a Week 18 game for the NFC North. He looks to be the full-time starter at nickel for the Lions.

"[Last season] was his first time really playing nickel full-time," said Townsend. "Love the way that he approaches the game, love the way he came to meetings every day and I loved his energy. From day one you knew he was going to be a guy that brought that energy."

Townsend was also asked about Terrion Arnold and what he expects from him going into his sophomore season. Townsend continued to state the importance of Arnold's rookie year and, despite some struggles, what he learned in year one.

"Any time you get a chance to have as many reps as he had, it helps you," said the Lions DB coach. "He understand how they are attacking him and he found out about himself. Like what do I do best? How can I make those strengths stronger? My weaknesses, what do I do now to make them better?"

The Lions' secondary seems ready to go for 2025, and fans should be happy that the plan has been rolled out in front of them. For a team ranked in the bottom three of the NFL in pass defense in the past three years, 2025 is a chance for a weakness to become a strength.