Terrion Arnold signed his rookie deal with the Lions on Thursday, per a team announcement. As a result, each member of the team’s draft class is now on the books.
Detroit entered the offseason with cornerback seen as a pressing need, and the team addressed it with the trade acquisition of Carlton Davis and the signing of Amik Robertson. The Lions moved on from Cameron Sutton following his domestic violence arrest, though, leaving room for draft investments.
The 2024 draft’s hosts pulled off a trade with the Cowboys on Day 1, moving up five spots to No. 24. That allowed them to select Arnold and prevent a division rival the opportunity to do so. The Packers were reportedly high on the Alabama product, making them a threat to draft him at No. 25. Instead, Arnold will begin his career in the Motor City with high expectations.
The Freshman All-American took on a large role for the Crimson Tide in 2022. He posted one interception and eight pass breakups that season, but entering this past campaign it was teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry who was regarded as a better prospect. That changed over the course of 2023, with Arnold excelling with respect to coverage and ball production.
The latter led the SEC in interceptions (five) and finished second in the conference in pass deflections (12). Arnold, who was connected to a rumor about the Raiders deciding not to draft him via a coin flip, earned first-team All-SEC and All-American honors as a result and cemented his status as one of the top corners in this year’s class. He was the second prospect at the position to hear his name called, going two spots after the Eagles added Quinyon Mitchell.
Just like Philadelphia, Detroit doubled down on corners by adding Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round. He and Arnold will compete for a starting role in a secondary which features Davis, Robertson and versatile 2023 second-rounder Brian Branch. Regardless of how the unit shakes out, Arnold’s addition should help Detroit take a notable step forward in pass defense this year.
Here is the final breakdown of the Lions’ draft class:
- Round 1, No. 24 (from Cowboys): Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 61: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, Missouri) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 126 (from Packers through Jets): Giovanni Manu (T, British Columbia) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 132 (from 49ers through Eagles): Sione Vaki (S, Utah) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 189 (from Broncos through Rams, Bills and Texans): Mekhi Wingo (DT, LSU) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 201 (from Buccaneers): Christian Mahogany (G, Boston College) (signed)