Tag: terrion Arnold

Lions have a long term plan at cornerback after the 2024 NFL Draft

Lions have a long term plan at cornerback after using their first two picks of the 2024 NFL Draft on Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw

Catching Lions fans by surprise, the Detroit Lions selected Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw with the 61st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This caught fans off guard because on the opening night of the draft, the Lions moved up and selected Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold with the 24th overall pick.

Now some may look at Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell and say they’re trying to be the “smartest guys in the room” by doubling down at the cornerback position. Before you think that, just look at what the Philadelphia Eagles did with their first two picks of the year. They did the exact same thing so let’s just hit the brakes.

Fortunately, there’s a general consensus to trust Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell when it comes to the way they attack the draft process They operate with conviction and they trust their process. For the 2024 NFL Draft, not only did the Lions draft good football players but they showed that they’re preparing for the future.

It’s not a move that we’ve seen very often as Lions fans but a long term plan at the cornerback position is a smart move by Detroit. For starters, they only have Carlton Davis and Emmanuel Moseley under contract for this upcoming season. Additionally, they only signed Amik Robertson to a two-year contract.

https://x.com/RussNFLDraft/status/1784030416883597314

Despite having those veteran defensive backs, there’s longevity concerns with Davis and Moseley. Both players have dealt with multiple injuries over the last two seasons. Most importantly, it was clear that the Lions had issues in the secondary last season.

The Lions allowed the 6th most passing yards per game (247.4 passing yards) and the 6th most passing touchdowns (28 passing touchdowns) in the NFL last season. Getting a plan in place to improve their secondary was a priority this off-season and it’s clear the Lions front office felt the same way.

https://x.com/RussNFLDraft/status/1783900797643985353

Adding Rakestraw and Arnold gives the Lions their future number one and number two cornerbacks. They are the exact type of players that the Lions value. Tough and hard nosed football players that get after it every chance they get. For both players, I described them both as willing run defenders that embrace contact on the perimeter.

According to PFF run defense scores, the top-2 scores belong to Arnold (90.6) and Rakestraw (89.0). Those are the exact players that will be valued in Detroit under this regime. Here’s my overall projections on both players from my 2024 NFL Draft Guide:

Terrion Arnold — “Arnold enters the NFL with the projection of being a number one cornerback. Defenses searching for a corner that excels in man coverage will love the talent possessed by Arnold. He plays physical and loves contact and competition from the opposition. His aggressiveness will get him trouble as it appears to cause his technique to get wild or it’ll take him out of position. But his fluidity, effort and ability to press and lockdown receivers is encouraging for his development in the NFL.”

Ennis Rakestraw — “Rakestraw is a highly competitive cornerback that is tough and physical. His length helps him jam and redirect defenders while battling at the catch point. Productive in both man and zone coverage, he appears best suited as a press-man corner in the NFL. His aggressiveness in the run game is a plus on the perimeter but his physicality can become troublesome downfield in coverage. If Rakestraw can stay healthy, he can be a number two cornerback in a defense looking for another man defender.”

With Terrion Arnold, he needs to clean up some of his lower body technique as he tends to leave his feet too early and his lower half doesn’t always follow or flow evenly with the rest of his body.

As for Rakestraw, he will get flagged due to his physical nature but the biggest key for him is staying healthy. The ACL injury in 2021 and groin injury in 2023 will be worth monitoring. Oddly enough, I compared Rakestraw to current Lions cornerback Emmanuel Moseley.

No matter the pro comparisons and some of the slight knocks to both players games, I’m very excited for their development in Detroit. To me, the Lions got great value with Rakestraw and in all honesty, the same could be said about Arnold. After all, the Crimson Tide defender was my top ranked corner and my 14th ranked player in the draft.

Getting better on defense was clearly a big part of the Lions agenda this off-season. Fortunately, they developed a plan and stuck to it. On paper, it makes sense and appears to be a great plan. We’ll see how it transitions to success on the field but right now, the future looks bright in the Lions secondary.

2024 NFL Draft: Favorite Day 2 options for the Detroit Lions

2024 NFL Draft: Favorite Day 2 options for the Detroit Lions from Lions Wire’s Russ Brown

What an opening night of the 2024 NFL Draft! As always, the draft is most unpredictable and one scenario that may have crossed our minds as fans but never seemed realistic was the Lions moving up to select Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold.

Fortunately, that’s exactly what the Lions did on Thursday night.

As the Dallas Cowboys got on the clock with the 24th overall pick, the Lions picked up the phone and moved up five spots from the 29th overall pick to select Terrion Arnold. He was labeled as one of the best defenders in this class and on my board, he was my 14th ranked player and top ranked cornerback.

Sure the price tag may have been listed as “high” with the Lions getting rid of the 73rd overall pick to select Arnold but it was worth it. After all, one of the biggest needs for the team going into the off-season was cornerback and they’ve done everything possible in upgrading that position. First it was trading for Carlton Davis and signing Amik Robertson but now that plan may be complete with the addition of Terrion Arnold.

Losing a day two pick is less than ideal but just because the Lions only have the 61st overall pick for tonight doesn’t mean their limited to just that selection. Let’s go over some of the Lions best options for the second night of the 2024 NFL Draft!

Trading Down from the 61st Overall Pick

It’s been no secret that Lions General Manager Brad Holmes likes to work the phones during the NFL Draft. We saw him do it for Jameson Williams in 2021 and we saw him move 3 picks to go up and get Brodric Martin on day 2 of the draft last year.

I think the same thing could happen tonight and I think it’s the most realistic option for the Lions with the 61st overall pick. After all, they don’t pick again until the 164th overall pick. They’ve got to find a way to close the gap between those 103 picks.

One team that I would keep tabs on is the Washington Commanders. They’ve got the 68th and 78th overall picks in the 3rd round tonight. Meanwhile, they’ve also got four picks on the last day of the 2024 NFL Draft so they could get aggressive tonight and try to move up.

In addition to the Commanders, I’d monitor what the Los Angeles Chargers do in the draft. Yes, they made the right move by selecting Notre Dame OT Joe Alt with the 5th overall pick last night but the Chargers still have 8 more picks in the draft.

With that, there’s an expectation for them to draft at least one Michigan player with the obvious connection to head coach Jim Harbaugh. I could see them moving up for LB Junior Colson, RB Blake Corum or WR Roman Wilson.

Maybe they’d package the 69th overall pick and the 105th overall pick to move up to the 61st overall pick. We’ll see how that all plays out. Keep in mind that there’s a plethora of teams with a bunch of draft capital. However, teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals have some of the most capital in the draft this year. We’ll see how it plays out but trading back is my top option for tonight.

Drafting an interior offensive lineman

During the Lions last 3 drafts, there’s been a trend with Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell. If they take an offensive player as their first pick, their next pick has been a defensive player. If they take a defensive player first, then it ends up being an offensive player as the next pick.

That said, I’d expect this next pick to be an offensive player. Even if they trade down.

One of the top area of needs for the Lions is the offensive line. Sure, they resigned Graham Glasgow and they brought in Kevin Zietler to play right guard but the depth behind both players is less than ideal. Meanwhile, there’s a lot of uncertainty around center Frank Ragnow and his longevity in the NFL.

We all saw what happened last year when Frank Ragnow or Jonah Jackson went down. It creates chaos in the middle of the pocket and as we know, that’s Jared Goff’s best place to play. Upright and in the pocket. Adding talent up front should be important.

The first player they should consider is Dominick Puni from Kansas. While it’s less than ideal for him to go 61st overall, there’s no chance he’s available with the 164th overall pick. Additionally, he could be a five-position player for an offensive line. Puni plays well-balanced and under control in pass protection.

He’s got good initial quickness and shows no issues when pulling and is more than capable of walling off second level defenders. Foot speed could use improvements and his pad level needs work but he’s a fine developmental prospect that would fit well in Detroit.

Another option for the Lions would be Delmar Glaze from Maryland. He explodes consistently out of his stance 6’4″ and 315 pounds and has 34 7/8″ arms. In pass protection, he’s square and under control and uses timely punches while being able to reset his hands. He’s certainly a tackle in the NFL but it wouldn’t be surprising if he became a high level guard.

Drafting a wide receiver

Staying with the mindset that the next draft pick will be an offensive player, I can’t help but think that wide receiver is in the mix for the Lions. They lost Josh Reynolds in free agency and there’s some uncertainty behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond.

There could be a run early on day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft so this may force the Lions hand sooner rather than later. After all, we saw 7 wide receivers selected in the first round. If they decided to draft a wide receiver, the first player that comes to mind is Ja’Lynn Polk from Washington.

Depending on who you talk with, some believe that Polk is comparable to Josh Reynolds. I think he’s more like Gabriel Davis, but either way, he would be a solid option for the Lions. He shows great tracking ability on deep throws, is able to compete consistently, and makes great adjustments on 50/50 balls. He won’t be known for his long speed, but he should see targets early and often in his career.

Another option would be one of my personal favorites, Jamari Thrash from Louisville. Not a burner with only 4.46 speed in the 40-yard dash but he is one of the most experienced route runners in this draft. Meanwhile, the pacing of his routes helps him separate consistently. Most likely to play out of the slot but there’s much to be desired with Thrash who would fit in nicely for the Lions.

Watch as Terrion Arnold receives the call from the Detroit Lions

Terrion Arnold celebrates being selected by the Detroit Lions

On Thursday night former Alabama Crimson Tide football star defensive back had his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL come true when the Detroit Lions selected the Florida native with the 24th pick of the 2024 NFL draft.

Receiving the call that an NFL franchise is selecting you can be an emotional moment for young athletes and being able to celebrate the incredible achievement with their family is a moment that Arnold and the other draftees will never forget.

On Friday, the official Alabama football X account (formerly Twitter) released a video of Arnold receiving the the call from the Lions.

Watch the unforgettable moment!

Roll Tide Wire will provide non-stop coverage of the former Alabama football stars selected in the 2024 NFL draft.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Stacey Blackwood on X (Twitter) @Blackwood89.

Photos highlight the big night for 3 former Alabama stars at 2024 NFL draft

Three former Alabama football stars have begun their NFL journeys. Here are the top pictures of them at the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Though the 2024 NFL draft has not yet concluded, three former Alabama Crimson Tide football stars have begun their individual journeys in the league. Defensive back Terrion Arnold, linebacker Dallas Turner and offensive tackle JC Latham all heard their names called during the first round of the three-day event in Detroit.

First off the board was Latham, who was selected No. 7 overall by the Tennessee Titans. Just 10 picks later, Turner was picked up by the Minnesota Vikings. Finally, Arnold was drafted by the Detroit Lions.

There are still a handful of former Alabama players that are waiting to receive the call that they got drafted and Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow along as their special moments approach.

For now, relive the excitement from the first round with the top photos from the evening.

First-round photo gallery from the 2024 NFL draft

Grading the Lions selection of Terrion Arnold in the first round

The Detroit Lions landed one of the top defensive players in the draft, Terrion Arnold after a trade up and couldn’t find a more perfect fit

GM Brad Holmes has once again demonstrated his willingness to make bold moves in the draft to secure top talent for the Detroit Lions. Trading up from the 29th to the 24th pick, Holmes orchestrated a move to acquire Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold, one of the premier defensive prospects in this year’s draft class.

The draft’s early focus on offensive players unexpectedly pushed down defensive talent, creating an opportunity for the Lions to snag Arnold. While many anticipated Arnold would be off the board before the Lions’ pick, Holmes recognized the exceptional value and didn’t hesitate to make the trade.

Arnold’s arrival addresses a significant need for the Lions, further fortifying a revamped cornerback room that includes additions such as Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, and Emmanuel Moseley. Despite the cost of trading up, which left the Lions with limited draft capital and without a third-round selection, securing Arnold was deemed essential to bolstering the team’s defense.

Looking ahead, Holmes may explore further draft maneuvers to replenish lost draft capital. As evidenced by his past actions, Holmes is unafraid to make the necessary moves to strengthen the team.

On a personal note, sitting in the crowd in front of the draft stage and when Arnold was announced as the pick it was a massive celebration with many high fives and losing voice screams. Then getting to see him walk across the stage and the crowd screaming “Arnold” the atmosphere was absolutely electric making Arnold feel right at home.

The excitement surrounding Arnold’s selection was palpable, with fans erupting in celebration as his name was announced. His addition to the team is seen as a significant coup, embodying the gritty ethos of the Lions and fitting seamlessly into their rising trajectory. Despite the potential cost, Arnold’s acquisition is viewed as a steal for the Lions, enhancing their roster with a high-quality player perfectly suited to their needs.

Grade: A+

20 best players available for Ravens on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL draft

Day One of the 2024 NFL draft is in the books, and it was a historic night. Six quarterbacks were selected in the first 12 picks, and 23 offensive players were selected, the most ever. Baltimore was able to land one of the top cornerbacks on the …

Day One of the 2024 NFL draft is in the books, and it was a historic night. Six quarterbacks were selected in the first 12 picks, and 23 offensive players were selected, the most ever.

Baltimore was able to land one of the top cornerbacks on the board without trading up.

Rounds two and three will play out on Friday night, and the Eagles will have two picks in Round 2 and none in Round 3.

Here is our list of the best players on the board during day two of the NFL draft.

Terrion Arnold introduces himself live to Lions fans in electric fashion at 2024 NFL draft

Terrion Arnold shares wholesome moment with Detroit Lions fans after being selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.

The Detroit Lions faithful had to wait over three hours for their hometown Lions to make their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, but in the end, it was all worth it as they selected former Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback [autotag]Terrion Arnold[/autotag] No. 24 overall. Aarnold was the seventh defensive player taken in the draft and the third former member of the Crimson Tide. 2024 marks the third straight year that the Lions have used their first-round selection on an Alabama player.

It is already one of the biggest nights in NFL draft history with over 275,000 fans live in attendance in Detroit. After being selected by the Lions, Arnold turned to the Lions fans while rejoicing, “I’m home man, I’m home.”

However, it was when Arnold told the crowd that he was going to help bring a Super Bowl back to Detroit that the crowd erupted. Arnold was a sensational player for the Crimson Tide in 2023, but it’s his infectious personality that made him so beloved in Alabama. His interaction with the fans was definitely one of the coolest moments of the night.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

Watch: Terrion Arnold slept in his Lions hat after being drafted in Detroit

Detroit 1st round pick Terrion Arnold slept in his Lions hat after being drafted by the team

Terrion Arnold is the newest member of the Detroit Lions, and he’s excited about it. After being selected No. 24 overall in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit, the Alabama cornerback is ready to get to work.

Arnold had a very late night. His press conference for reporters in the draft media center ended just before 1:30 Friday morning. Then it was off to a local hotel for a few quick hours of sleep.

In a social media post later Friday morning, Arnold was still rocking the new Lions hat he donned after being drafted. In fact, Arnold admitted he slept in the hat.

“I was so happy last night I slept with my hat on,” Arnold said with a smile. “One Pride. Went to sleep last night a Lion, woke up a Lion. One Pride man, let’s get to work,:

Lions GM Brad Holmes ‘couldn’t be more thrilled’ to land Terrion Arnold

Lions GM Brad Holmes ‘couldn’t be more thrilled’ to land Terrion Arnold and started calling to trade up in the ‘late teens’

Brad Holmes got his man. It took a trade up in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, but that’s nothing new. When the Lions GM loves a player, he’ll find a way to make it happen.

On Thursday night, Holmes saw Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold falling unexpectedly in the first round. Almost universally projected to go somewhere between No. 11 and No. 18, Arnold was still there when the Vikings traded up to No. 17. That was enough to get Holmes calling in an effort to engineer a trade of his own to land Arnold.

“Yeah, I mean, I was calling late teens,” Holmes told reporters after the pick. “I was calling just trying to see. I didn’t think he was going to be there. Really, didn’t think he was going to be there calling late teens, but really trying and thinking we were going to have to settle for a different player at a different position but still trade up.”

The unusual progression of the first round, with 14 straight offensive players to start the draft and only one minor trade in the first 15 picks, definitely changed the dynamics for Holmes and the Lions.

“It wasn’t a whole lot of trade backs that early just because it kind of fell, I think well for a lot of people. So, I’m still a little kind of – never thought he would be there, but we couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Holmes made it clear that Arnold was very high on the very short priority list entering the first round.

“We had a pretty, let’s call it ‘significant’ line underneath him to the next guy in our opinion. It wasn’t – we didn’t really have a lot of guys that were up there even in that first round bucket at that position, but he was one of the small few that was even up there in consideration for us.”

Lions find long-term solution at cornerback in Terrion Arnold

The Lions find their long-term solution at cornerback by landing Alabama CB Terrion Arnold in the 2024 NFL draft

After the first defensive back went off of the board, the Detroit Lions made a deal with the Dallas Cowboys to jump up a few spots and draft cornerback Terrion Arnold.

In the wake of Cam Sutton’s legal troubles and subsequent release, the Detroit Lions suddenly found themselves in need of a starting cornerback. Luckily (and surprisingly), Alabama’s Terrion Arnold was ripe for the taking.

Arnold should be an instant starter for Detroit as an outside cornerback. The real question is who he will start alongside. Detroit brought back Emmanuel Moseley, traded for Carlton Davis, and signed Amik Robertson. Moseley is coming off his second ACL tear in as many years and Robertson is an undersized defender better suited as a slot cornerback.

Davis is the frontrunner to start at cornerback for Detroit, but he has yet to be the primary defensive back during his career. Given his veteran status, he may be named as the top cornerback over Arnold.

Arnold is a true man coverage defensive back, using his strength and size to out-leverage opposing wide receivers. In his time at Alabama, he has proven that he has the capability to be a ball-hawk cornerback at the next level.

While his coverage skills are strong, Arnold will have to improve his tackling ability if he wants to earn and retain a starting job for the Lions. Nevertheless, he should be expected to be the guy lining up against some of the top opposing receivers this upcoming season.