Dan Campbell is Extremely Fired up About D.J. Reed’s Fit with the Detroit Lions

Lockdown Ability, Physicality, and Aggression
From the very start, Campbell didn’t hold back in highlighting Reed’s strengths. “He’s got cover skills. He can play man-to-man. Let’s start there,” Campbell stated at the recent NFL Owners Meetings. This kind of ability is a dream for any defensive coach. But Campbell didn’t stop there, he also praised Reed for his willingness to get involved in the gritty aspects of the game, particularly in the run defense.

“He’ll step up on the perimeter. He’ll tackle, seal the edges, and when he’s in press coverage, he challenges receivers. He doesn’t let them have a free release. He’s not afraid to mix it up and be physical. And when it comes to the catch point, he’s aggressive. He’s feisty and competitive.” The word “competitive” stood out, as Campbell emphasized it as a key characteristic he values in his players.

Resilience and Determination in Every Play
One of the things that stood out to Campbell wasn’t a flashy play, but rather Reed’s response to a rare mistake. Campbell recalled a moment early in the season where Reed got beat on a play. “It was a rare instance, but he got beat,” Campbell said. “And instead of sulking, he immediately got back on track, put his foot in the ground, and sprinted to recover. He didn’t have time to think about it, he just focused on angling the receiver off. That shows me everything about his character.”

Campbell noted that Reed’s response to a setback was one of the most impressive traits. “He doesn’t let mistakes get to him. He just competes and does whatever it takes to get back in the game.”

Conclusion
D.J. Reed is a perfect fit for the Detroit Lions. He’s tough, determined, and, most importantly, he embodies the competitive edge that Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes prioritize when building the team. If Reed can deliver on his potential, he could quickly become a key figure in the Lions’ defense.