Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has been telling reporters throughout the teams' offseason program that he'd like to incorporate a nickel defense more often in 2026. The Lions' free agency and NFL draft additions hammer that home, with Roger McCreary getting tabbed for the roster and with the teams' Keith Abney II pick.
Sports Illustrated's John Maakaron wrote about Sheppard's comments regarding the nickel package, with the coordinator telling reporters at the end of OTAs and prior to minicamp kicking off:
“I would say that depends on matchups and things like this. But we are planning to utilize the nickel position more. We have a lot of candidates that we have been kind of logging into that role, You know we lost Amik (Robertson). He was essentially our 100 percent nickel player last year. So, who is that going to be? So, it is a lot of questions marks right now that we are starting to go through as we go."
Another signing that has gone under the radar but fits perfectly into Sheppard's plans for this season is Aamaris Brown, a member of the Lions' UDFA class. Head coach Dan Campbell has snuck "AB" into his Lions praises, most recently mentioning that he's been one of a few defenders that have done a great job of getting their hands on the football in camp.
"Chuck [Clark] made a couple of plays, AB [Aamaris Brown] made a play in there, [Jimmy] Rolder's getting some knock downs, Jack [Campbell]'s getting some punch outs, I think that's what I liked: we're getting our hands on some footballs on defense, which was one of the things we emphasized coming into this year. It's the takeaways. Every team says, but you've gotta make it happen."
Brown earning praise after solid OTAs, minicamp
Brown, who is listed as one of the Lions' nickelbacks on their depth chart, comes over to Detroit by way of the UNLV. He finished up his last year with that program with 35 solo tackles, seven passes defended, and four takeaways.
The Lions desperately needed versatility on the roster at nickelback after Amik Robertson left in free agency, and they've gotten just that with Brown and the rest of their NB depth. McCreary seems to have the leg up in camp as the veteran of the group, although Avonte Maddox - the Lions' Swiss Army Knife of a defensive back - is right in the mix thanks to his familiarity with the teams' personnel.
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Slot corner is a critical element for any defense looking to increase their coverage in the secondary, and to try and up a teams' takeaway opportunities by having that additional back on the field. Brown getting his hands on the ball in camp, in addition to Jimmy Rolder, Jack Campbell, and Chuck Clark, is a great sign for Sheppard's new-look defense (if most remain healthy).
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