The new Lions pass game coordinator could potentially bring in veteran cornerbacks and Detroit natives.
Deshea Townsend, the Jaguars’ pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach, has reportedly been hired by the Detroit Lions to be their defensive pass game coordinator. The great thing about the NFL is the player-coach interaction. When a coach leaves, a player often prefers to accompany them because of the comfort and trust they provide.
Earlier this week, we discussed if new Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams will bring edge rusher Denico Autry with him to Detroit. Townsend might possibly present an opportunity for the Lions.
The Lions need all the help they can get at cornerback. The good news is that Townsend knows someone who is poised to become a free agent. Even better news: the player is originally from Detroit.
That player is Tre Herndon. It is worth noting that Herndon is not a top corner. This is a depth move that could lead to more for the Lions because to their link with Townsend. After the Lions’ difficult season at corner, depth is crucial.
Herndon has been in the NFL since 2018, and he struggled early in his tenure as a starter for the Jaguars. Townsend arrived in 2022, and Herndon began to play his greatest football yet. In 2023, he played 16 games with the Jaguars, starting four. In 482 snaps, Herndon had nine pass breaks and 46 tackles.
He also received the highest PFF grade of his career in 2023. He went from 55.4 in 2022 to 70.8 in 2023. His coverage grade increased from 57.2 to 73.1. That’s a solid step up. It’s worth mentioning that he had a cumulative grade point average of 79.9 across those four starts. There may be something to him, and it is worthwhile for the Lions to discover what it is.
