The Detroit Lions might not have Aaron Glenn calling the shots on defense anymore, but new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard inherited a very talented unit with the potential to be even better next season.
Everybody raves about Aidan Hutchinson and rightfully so, but he's not the only young staple on that side of the field. If anything, Terrion Arnold is also expected to take a big leap in year two and anchor the secondary.
That's why the fans must be thrilled to hear what Coach Sheppard has to say about him. When talking about the second-year pro, he gushed about his improvements on the mental side of the game in the offseason.
Terrion Arnold Is Getting Better at Understanding The Game
"Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard says the 'mental' part of Terrion Arnold's game has really taken a step forward," Sheppard said, per Nolan Bianchi. "Arnold wants to 'understand the game of football and not just play it,' which helps him play with anticipation."
There are high expectations around the Alabama product in his second year in the league. He drew positive reviews in training camp, and while he didn't suit up for any of the preseason games because of a hamstring injury, he's fully expected to be on the field for the season opener vs. the Green Bay Packers.
Arnold finished his first year in the league with 60 tackles (47 solo), 10 passes defended, and one fumble recovery. He got off to a slow start and struggled with penalties, leading all defensive backs in that regard with 11, but he cleaned things up late in the season. That's where understanding the game better will be so crucial to take his game to the next level.
On the downside, the No. 24 pick didn't record a single interception as a rookie, but his five picks in his final year in college suggest that he might be in for some positive regression in year two.
He will start on the left side opposite newcomer D.J. Reed, who signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the team this offseason, all while Amik Robertson takes care of business in the nickel spot.
The Lions enter the season with a big chip on their shoulders and with some doubts after losing their top two assistants, but a breakout year from their young stud in the secondary will certainly help make the transition much smoother.