Championship defenses aren’t built on hope — they’re built on health, growth and resilience. For the Detroit Lions, the talent is already in the secondary. The question is simple: can they finally stay on the field long enough to turn potential into dominance?
The blueprint for a championship defense often begins on the back end, and for the Detroit Lions, the path forward is clear, if not simple. Talent is present. Potential is obvious. But for the secondary to truly take the next step, health, development and adaptability must finally align.
Health Comes First
No position group on Detroit’s roster was hit harder by injuries last season than the secondary. The attrition was relentless. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., a second-round pick in 2024, was ruled out for the year before ever getting his footing. First-round corner Terrion Arnold missed nine games with a shoulder injury. Veteran DJ Reed missed seven games with a torn hamstring that clearly lingered after his return.
It didn’t stop there. Safety Kerby Joseph missed 11 games due to a knee injury, while Brian Branch tore his Achilles in Week 15 and also served a one-game suspension, costing him five total games. Continuity never stood a chance.
If Detroit wants consistency on the back end, availability must be the first victory. Even modest improvements in health would dramatically stabilize coverage and communication.
Terrion Arnold’s Growth Is Essential
Arnold was drafted to be a cornerstone, and now the expectation is clear, he must play like it. The former first-round pick flashed high-end coverage ability, length and physicality, but also struggled with penalties, particularly pass interference calls that extended drives.
Progress came late in the season, highlighted by the first interception of his NFL career in 2025. The next step is discipline. If Arnold can pair his aggressiveness with cleaner technique, he gives Detroit a legitimate No. 1 corner capable of matching up with top receivers.
DJ Reed Must Reclaim His Form
Before the injury, Reed looked like the stabilizing veteran presence Detroit envisioned. He was physical at the line, confident in man coverage and effective against the run. The torn hamstring changed that. Upon returning, his explosiveness was limited, and opposing quarterbacks tested him more often.
A fully healthy Reed changes the dynamic. His ability to play press coverage allows Detroit to be more aggressive up front. The Lions don’t need him to be elite, they need him to be what he was early in the season.
Joseph and Branch Face Different Roads Back
The safety tandem may determine the ceiling of the entire defense. Joseph’s knee injury has raised concerns, with some fans pointing to comparisons with Jadeveon Clowney and the challenges of managing a degenerative condition. Whether those fears are justified remains to be seen, but Joseph’s range and ball skills are irreplaceable when he’s right.
Branch’s situation is more straightforward, and more daunting. A torn Achilles is widely considered one of the toughest injuries in sports. The Lions will need patience as he works back. Even if he isn’t immediately explosive, Branch’s football intelligence, versatility and physicality still bring value.
Depth Must Be More Than Insurance
Injuries are inevitable, which makes development behind the starters critical. Rakestraw Jr. will finally get his opportunity. Thomas Harper and Nick Whiteside must be ready to handle meaningful snaps. Detroit may also add another defensive back through the draft, someone who can contribute early if needed.
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s survival. Competent depth prevents the defense from unraveling when injuries strike.
Scheme Matters Too
Even with improved health, adjustments will be required. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard must continue to evolve, especially when star defensive backs are missing. That may mean more zone looks, disguised coverages or safety help over young corners.
It sounds like a long list, but the Lions don’t need to fix everything. If even two or three of these areas stabilize, Detroit’s secondary can take a meaningful step forward — and that may be enough to support a championship-caliber roster.