Hutchinson, Branch, Joseph and more. I built the ultimate Dan Campbell-era Lions defense based on each player’s best season. Agree or disagree?
Dan Campbell has coached plenty of talented defensive players since taking over the Detroit Lions in 2021, but what would the perfect defense look like if you could combine the best seasons from every player of his tenure?
After building the ultimate Dan Campbell-era offense, it is only fitting to turn to the other side of the ball. This defense is based on each player’s best season with the Lions under Campbell. A player only needs one elite year in Detroit to earn consideration, regardless of whether they are still on the roster or have seen their play decline.
A few names are automatic selections.
Linebacker Jack Campbell has quickly developed into one of the NFL’s premier defenders after his All-Pro campaign. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is another easy choice, as he has established himself as one of the league’s most dominant edge rushers. In the secondary, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph round out the list of obvious picks. Branch has become one of the NFL’s most versatile defensive backs, while Joseph has emerged as one of football’s top ball hawks.
Cornerback is where things become more interesting.
Despite Detroit’s struggles to consistently field a strong cornerback group during Campbell’s tenure, Carlton Davis III and DJ Reed stand out as the top outside options. Davis brought physicality, leadership and shutdown ability when healthy, while Reed has had his ups and downs, the upside he provides is larger than many other Lions cornerbacks.
The slot cornerback position is more debatable, but I am giving the nod to Amik Robertson. His 2024 season was quietly one of the better years by a Lions nickel defender under Campbell. Robertson thrives when he is not asked to shadow an opponent’s top receiver every week, and his toughness against both the run and pass makes him the best fit for this defense.
The defensive line also has several clear choices.
Hutchinson is locked into one edge spot, while Alim McNeill is an easy selection at defensive tackle. McNeill developed into one of the NFL’s better interior defensive linemen during his best seasons in Detroit, providing both pass-rush ability and stout run defense.
Alongside him, DJ Reader gets the nod. Although his play declined during his final season in Detroit, Reader’s 2024 campaign was outstanding. He posted a career-high three sacks while consistently disrupting opposing offenses and helping anchor the Lions’ run defense.
The biggest debate comes at the edge position opposite Hutchinson. The decision ultimately comes down to Charles Harris or Al-Quadin Muhammad. This may be a hot take, but I am choosing Harris. During Campbell’s first season, Harris recorded 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles while playing some of the best football of his career. That production gives him the edge.
The linebacker group rounds out the defense.
Alex Anzalone earns one starting spot after posting back-to-back seasons with more than 125 tackles. Beyond the numbers, he served as the emotional leader of Detroit’s defense and helped change the culture under Campbell.
Derrick Barnes claims the final linebacker position after putting together an impressive season that included four sacks and an interception while showcasing his versatility as both a pass rusher and coverage linebacker.
Based on each player’s best season under Campbell, this is my all-time Lions defense:
* EDGE: Aidan Hutchinson
* EDGE: Charles Harris
* DT: Alim McNeill
* DT: DJ Reader
* LB: Jack Campbell
* LB: Alex Anzalone
* LB: Derrick Barnes
* CB: Carlton Davis III
* CB: DJ Reed
* FS: Kerby Joseph
* SS: Brian Branch
