The Detroit Lions have reportedly hired Jaguars pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach Deshea Townsend to come to Detroit and serve as their defensive pass game coordinator. The great thing about the NFL is that player and coach relationship. A lot of times when a coach moves on, a player likes to move with them because there’s that comfortability and trust.
Earlier in the week we brought up the idea of new Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams bringing edge rusher Denico Autry along with him to Detroit. Townsend could also present a possibility that would help the Lions.
The Lions need all the help they can get at corner. The good news it that Townsend knows a one that’s about to be a free agent. The even better news that player is originally from Detroit.
That player is Tre Herndon. It should be noted that Herndon is not a top corner. This is a depth move that could turn into more for the Lions because of the connection with Townsend. After the Lions tumultuous season at corner, depth is something that’s very important.
Herndon has been in the NFL since 2018 and he really struggled early in his career when he was a starter for the Jags. Townsend arrived in 2022 and Herndon began to play the best football of his career. He played 16 games for the Jaguars in 2023 and started four of them. In 482 snaps, Herndon recorded nine pass break ups and 46 tackles.
He also had the highest PFF grade of his career in 2023. He went from a 55.4 in 2022 to a 70.8 in 2023. His coverage grade went from 57.2 to 73.1.. That’s a pretty solid move up. I think it’s worth noting that in those four starts, he had a cumulative grade of 79.9. There may be something there with him and it’s worth it for the Lions see what that is.