One of the Detroit Lions’ most intriguing offseason additions was safety Duron Harmon — acquired via trade with the New England Patriots for a fifth-round draft pick.
Harmon is a single high free safety who has a knack for getting his hands on the football and creating turnovers. He’s a savvy veteran who is a great guy in the locker room and in the community. The more I think about Duron Harmon, the more he reminds me of another former Lions’ safety: Glover Quin.
Both players came to the Detroit Lions after being with another organization for the early part of their career and they are similar in stature/playstyle. I believe Harmon will have a similar impact for the Lions and will help the team win on and off the field.
Steady veteran
When Quin played in Detroit, he worked closely with young players like Darius Slay, Quandre Diggs, and Tracy Walker, always teaching while also making plays on the field. Quin was always the steady veteran presence, not only for other defensive backs but for everyone else in the locker room as well.
It appears Harmon could be that same type of experienced veteran player with the Lions in 2020. He will have the opportunity to teach players like Walker, Jeff Okudah, and Will Harris in several aspects of the game. Every good team needs a few steady veterans that can also still play and Harmon can fill that role.
Ballhawk
Quin had 19 interceptions over his six seasons in the Motor City and in 2014, his second season with the team, he had seven interceptions in that year alone. He became a true ballhawk while wearing Honolulu Blue.
Harmon has similar numbers. He was a takeaway specialist while with the New England Patriots recording 17 interceptions in his seven seasons in Foxboro. As Harmon playing time increased the past few years, he really became that true ballhawk with 10 interceptions in the past three years. The Lions will be hoping he continues that trend.
On-field coach
The value of an on-field coach can’t be downplayed. You need those types of guys, especially when they play a deep safety role. The single-high safeties positioning allows a player to be that on-field coach, as they can see and direct the entire defense. Both Quin and Harmon are detailed in the film room and that lets them bring that on the field to help others.
Leadership
Quin was a team captain, well respected across the league, and his legend grew as he produced on the field. Teammates looked to “GQ”, as he was often, called for guidance and leadership in the toughest of moments.
I see Harmon a similar type of guy. A leader on and off the field, as well as someone that you can turn to when all the chips are down, knowing that he has your back. From what I have seen so far, he seems to be a very accountable stand-up guy which are traits that helped propel Quin in the eyes of his fellow players and coaches.
Media friendly
One thing I loved about Quin was his willingness to work with the media, often talking for double the length of time as others. I think he did this for both himself and the team. Quin was always willing to express his opinions on football and any other topics thrown his way.
Quin was loved by the media and based on the virtual media sessions Harmon has done this offseason, he is quickly gaining respect. Recently, he spoke genuinely about racism, social justice, and other aspects of his life. They may have different styles, but both players have very media-friendly personalities.
In summary, both players are free safeties known for their interceptions, locker room leaders, and are willing to give the media some great quotes during the year. Hopefully, the greatest similarity will be that Harmon will help lead the Lions back to a similar level of success on defense as Quin did while he was in a Lions uniform.
