5 Highest-Graded Lions Defensive Players Through Week 6, According to PFF

With Week 6 officially in the books, Dan Campbell provided a potentially encouraging update on the status of safety Kerby Joseph. When asked if he believes Joseph will play at all this season, Campbell responded, “I do.”

Joseph’s potential return could provide a massive boost to a Detroit Lions defense that has struggled at times this season. While several defenders have had their ups and downs, five players have stood out as Detroit’s highest-graded defensive players, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Let’s take a look at the top five.

1. Aidan Hutchinson — 91.4

Aidan Hutchinson has been playing like one of the best edge rushers in the NFL, and his PFF grades reflect just that. Hutchinson leads all edge rushers with a 91.1 pass-rush grade while maintaining a solid 71.5 run-defense grade, which ranks 24th out of 107 qualified edge rushers.

Hutchinson has recorded five sacks, 21 quarterback hurries and 32 total pressures. His quarterback hurry total ranks second in the NFL, while his pressure total ranks fourth. He’s also played the third-most snaps among NFL edge rushers, with 338.

2. Alim McNeill — 79.4

Alim McNeill has been a game-changer for Detroit this season, earning the seventh-highest overall defensive grade among interior defensive linemen.

McNeill has posted a 75.4 pass-rush grade, ranking 11th at his position, along with a 67.2 run-defense grade, which ranks 21st.

His production has been impressive, too. McNeill has recorded five sacks, four quarterback hurries and 23 total pressures. His pressure total ranks second among all interior defensive linemen, while his four quarterback hurries rank 14th.

McNeill’s ability to generate pressure from the interior has given Detroit another dangerous pass rusher.

3. Chuck Clark — 70.9

Before breaking down Chuck Clark’s season, it’s worth giving an honorable mention to linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who has earned a 78.3 overall defensive grade, an 83.3 run-defense grade and a 67.6 pass-rush grade. Rodriguez has been phenomenal for Detroit, but he has played just 105 snaps, leaving him short of the snap threshold to qualify among linebackers.

Clark, meanwhile, has recorded a 70.9 overall defensive grade, a 68.7 run-defense grade, a 90.0 pass-rush grade and a 65.3 coverage grade.

Clark is currently putting together the second-best season of his career, ranking 22nd among all NFL safeties. His strong pass-rush grade has been particularly impressive.

4. Derrick Barnes — 66.9

Derrick Barnes has been a relatively solid contributor for Detroit this season, earning a 66.9 overall defensive grade that ranks 32nd among 75 qualified linebackers.

Barnes is on pace to record the second-best season of his career, although his performance has been inconsistent across different areas of his game.

His 65.2 pass-rush grade ranks 21st among linebackers, while his 74.6 coverage grade ranks eighth. However, his run defense has been a weakness, with a grade that ranks 71st out of 72 qualified linebackers.

If Barnes can improve against the run while maintaining his solid play in coverage, he could become an even more valuable piece of Detroit’s defense.

5. D.J. Reed — 66.3

Perhaps the biggest surprise on this list is D.J. Reed, who rounds out the top five with a 66.3 overall defensive grade, ranking 34th among 102 qualified cornerbacks.

Reed has recorded a 60.0 pass-rush grade ranking 38th, and a 64.6 coverage grade. His 69.0 run-defense grade has been a relative strength, ranking 37th at his position.

Still, Reed’s overall grade is on pace to be the second-lowest of his career. Last season, he earned a 65.2 overall defensive grade, marking the worst season of his career.

Before joining the Lions, Reed averaged a 73.7 overall defensive grade. If he can return to that level of play, it would provide a significant boost to Detroit’s secondary.

With the potential return of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch’s return this week to the lineup, Detroit could have an opportunity to strengthen its defense as the season progresses.