The Detroit Lions’ defense turned heads last season. They were expected to make noise in the playoffs, but that never happened after they crumbled late in the regular season. Key injuries to Brian Branch, Carlton Davis III, Derrick Barnes, and others left them shorthanded heading into the Divisional Round against the Washington Commanders.
So, their playoff exit didn’t come as a total surprise. Dan Campbell is a master motivator, but even he can’t do miracles when relying on practice squad players and late-season pickups.
Still, 2025 brings renewed optimism for Detroit’s secondary. The Lions added standout cornerback D.J. Reed in free agency and get healthy versions of Kerby Joseph and Branch. Young prospects like Terrion Arnold are also expected to make big leaps this year.
Even with all of that, Detroit’s secondary ranks just behind what many see as a less proven group. PFF placed the New England Patriots fifth in their latest secondary rankings, while Detroit came in sixth. What tilted the scale, according to PFF’s John Kosko, was New England’s potential stars in Christian Gonzalez and Dell Pettus.
Kosko explained Detroit’s ranking by saying, “Injuries halted what might’ve been a breakout year for the Lions, and the secondary took its share of hits. Safeties Brian Branch and [Kerby] Joseph are elite, and the team added arguably the NFL’s most underrated CB in D.J. Reed. Amik Robertson returns, and second-year players Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw should make big strides in 2025.”
As for the Patriots, their jump in the rankings comes after signing Davis III and leaning on Jabril Peppers and Gonzalez. With Mike Vrabel now coaching, their defensive ceiling may be even higher.
Davis III seems happy after leaving Detroit, claiming he finally found a team that views him as a “priority.” Though he did express appreciation for his lone season with the Lions, he clearly felt overlooked.
Still, ranking the Patriots over the Lions feels questionable. Detroit only lost Davis III. They gained Reed and are getting Joseph and Branch back healthy. On paper, that makes them stronger—not weaker.
While we won’t argue PFF’s grading formulas, a basic look at the roster changes suggests Detroit has the more reliable secondary heading into 2025.
