Detroit Lions 2024 NFL draft picks: Terrion Arnold taken at No. 24 after trade
Let's take a closer look at each of the Lions' 2024 draft picks.
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DETROIT -- The 2024 NFL draft (on ESPN, ABC, ESPN App) began Thursday, April 25, in Detroit. The Lions are scheduled to make seven of the draft's 257 picks, beginning with the No. 29 selection of the first round.
ESPN will provide pick-by-pick analysis of each of the Lions' selections as they are made.
A look at each of Detroit's scheduled selections:
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1: No. 24 (via draft-day trade with Dallas): Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
My take: Detroit needs help in the secondary after releasing veteran cornerback Cam Sutton. Trading up with the Dallas Cowboys to get Arnold should help the team fix some of its struggles. The Lions allowed 34 completions thrown at least 20 yards downfield last season, which tied with the Houston Texans for second-most in the league. Arnold's selection marks the second time the Lions have taken a defensive back in the first round this century. The other was Jeff Okudah at No. 3 in 2020.
Ties to the team to know: The Lions continued their Alabama pipeline under general manager Brad Holmes. This was the third straight year Detroit has taken a Crimson Tide player in the first round. Arnold joins running back Jahmyr Gibbs in 2023 (12th overall), and wide receiver Jameson Williams (12th overall) in 2022. Detroit also selected Alabama defensive back Brian Branch in the second round last year.
What we're hearing about Arnold: "He is a physical player, he's a willing participant in the tackle game," said Lions passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend, a former Alabama standout himself. "You see him play multiple positions. He played outside, he played inside, and he is not afraid."
What's next: Arnold will join Carlton Davis III and Amik Robertson as new cornerback additions this offseason, and will compete for a starting role immediately. Now that the pass defense has been addressed, the Lions could turn their attention to the defensive line, linebacker, or wide receiver.
Round 2: No. 61: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
My take: Detroit again added to its secondary. This is the first time in the common draft era the Lions have taken a DB with each of their first two picks, after trading up to get Arnold at No. 24. Detroit's defense allowed 28 passing TDs last year, which was the sixth worst in the league and marked the fifth straight season they ranked in the bottom 10 in passing TDs allowed. Rakestraw allowed one TD all season but was only targeted on 8% of his coverage snaps.
Is this pick for depth or does it fill a hole?: This pick is definitely to fill a hole. Rakestraw will have an opportunity to compete right away for a key role on a unit that allowed 7.8 yards per pass attempt last season. Only the Bengals (8.1) were worse. Rakestraw allowed 13 completions on 22 attempts this season when targeted, but only five of those attempts were on passes thrown 15 or more yards downfield.
What's next: Now that the secondary has been addressed, Detroit is in position to go after the best player available. Holmes couldn't go wrong with adding another big-bodied receiver to help the offense or another defensive lineman.
Remaining picks
Round 5: No. 164
Round 6: No. 201 (from Tampa Bay)
Round 6: No. 205
Round 7: No. 249
Special Teams Carry Rangers To A Game 3 Win And A 3-0 Series Lead On The Capitals
