D.J. Reader, DT
Reader is a natural fit in Detroit after playing in a very similar defense in Houston for the last four seasons. The 26-year-old (in July) can play both the nose tackle role and the 3-4 technique DT. In essence, he’s an upgrade as a replacement for A’Shawn Robinson.
Reader, originally a fifth-round pick out of Clemson, has developed some pass-rush moves after initially being just an immovable object-type of interior line anchor. He’s very good at coordinating up front with his linemates and at clearing blitzing lanes for LBs. He notched 52 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2019, very impressive production for an unheralded DT.
What’s even more appealing is his experience with the defense. Playing next to J.J. Watt in the Romeo Crennel scheme (the basis of Matt Patricia’s scheme) has prepared him well to work adjacent to Trey Flowers in Detroit. Flowers is obviously not Watt, but having a better player to his inside shoulder can only help Flowers blossom, too.