D.J. Reed jump-starts hype for young Lions defender coming into vital year

The Detroit Lions have already quietly enjoyed a big offseason defensively, and there have been some very impressive performances from that side of the ball as training camp has gone on.

While Detroit's offense always piles up headlines, the defense flies firmly under the radar. Perhaps that shouldn't be the case any longer, because there is some major talent stepping up to be noticed.

One of the players who has come into the mix is cornerback D.J. Reed. Signed this offseason, Reed is expected to be a top option for the Lions in the backfield. Interestingly enough, though, a younger player might be the one fans should pay closer attention to.

Reed has been impressed by his new defense, specifically some of his teammates. But who has been most dominant so far in his mind? The veteran was recently asked and provided an intriguing answer. He thinks it's second-year cornerback Terrion Arnold.

"If you're talking about training camp? Terrion Arnold. (It's) Arnold if I had to choose one person. But there's been a lot of guys I thought played really well. I think Amik (Robertson) has played well. Same as Kerby (Joseph) when he's been out there. Same as Brian Branch. (Aidan) Hutchinson is a whole different story. He's been balling. (Alex) Anzalone. Really the whole defense. DJ Reader. (Jack) Campbell our linebacker, he's been balling. I think a lot of guys have been balling."

To hear so many players on Detroit's defense are looking strong is fantastic news. The Lions need as many players as possible to step up and be solid in 2025. Arnold's emergence, however, should be seen as particularly important. If he finds his game, that could be the key to unlocking a stronger defense as a whole.

Arnold represents a true x-factor for Lions' defense this season

If there's one player the Lions could use to step up this season more than many others, it's Arnold. The first-round pick was taken in 2024 with designs of being a top cornerback for Detroit, and a lock down option in the secondary.

Unfortunately, Arnold's first season in the league didn't go completely as planned. While he played in 16 games with 15 starts and racked up 60 tackles, Arnold didn't end up with an interception. He also struggled with penalties and inconsistency as he learned the NFL.

Since the end of last season, Arnold has been working hard to grow and has been speaking confidently about his own evolution as a player. There's no question he has the right mindset, but the only issue is whether he will be ready to play a significant role for the Detroit secondary this season.

Should Arnold match some of the early hype, that would be a big deal for the Lions. It could allow the team to be deeper at cornerback given Reed's arrival in addition to strong play from veterans Avonte Maddox and Rock Ya-Sin. Having another star in the secondary would be huge for a team that already employs Joseph and Branch at safety.

According to Reed, Arnold could be primed to be that guy when the season begins in September.