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2024 Detroit Lions: Draft complete. (14 Viewers)

Terrion Arnold
  • Active, aggressive, physical, smart playmaking Corner
  • + 4-phase special teamer (K Cov, P Ret, P Cov, FG Blk)
  • Just turned 21. From a stylistic perspective, ideal scheme fit; mentally, exactly their style of player.

PFF Profile:
Arnold isn't the most polished cornerback in this class, but his high-percentile athletic abilities give him as high a ceiling as any cornerback in man or zone systems. Prepares like a pro. 5-star recruit as a S, can play anywhere in the DB but projects as a press man corner.

Arnold played mostly outside cornerback for Alabama over the past two seasons but gained some experience in the slot in 2023. He has great long speed, recovery speed, acceleration and agility. He also brings impressive ball skills with good on-ball production. With just one year as a full-time starter, he is a bit erratic in his style and had some missteps and whiffs on punches in press that got him turned around or off-balance. When he’s aligned and in phase, he has the talent to shut down all kinds of receivers. Though green on total snaps, he does show a good understanding of postsnap adjustments and man-match principles.

Stats:
  • 1 missed tackle on the season in RDEF (grade 90.6)
  • 10.3% missed tackle rate, 7 of them v the pass (mostly from awkward angles - def not an ankle tackler, he wraps up)
  • 6.5 TFL (2nd best in this CB draft class)
  • 471 coverage snaps, targeted 79 times, 41 completions (51.9%), 441 yards, 2 TDs, NFL Passer Rating 49.1
  • 5 interceptions (1st in class) 13 PBUs (2nd in class)
  • blitzed 11 times, 4 pressures, 1 sack
Dave Birkett asked him yesterday if Detroit had given him any indication they would take him. "That's classified." Grabbed the mic on the stage after he was announced and kept shouting to the fans "i'm home!"
 
Terrion Arnold
  • Active, aggressive, physical, smart playmaking Corner
  • + 4-phase special teamer (K Cov, P Ret, P Cov, FG Blk)
  • Just turned 21. From a stylistic perspective, ideal scheme fit; mentally, exactly their style of player.

PFF Profile:
Arnold isn't the most polished cornerback in this class, but his high-percentile athletic abilities give him as high a ceiling as any cornerback in man or zone systems. Prepares like a pro. 5-star recruit as a S, can play anywhere in the DB but projects as a press man corner.

Arnold played mostly outside cornerback for Alabama over the past two seasons but gained some experience in the slot in 2023. He has great long speed, recovery speed, acceleration and agility. He also brings impressive ball skills with good on-ball production. With just one year as a full-time starter, he is a bit erratic in his style and had some missteps and whiffs on punches in press that got him turned around or off-balance. When he’s aligned and in phase, he has the talent to shut down all kinds of receivers. Though green on total snaps, he does show a good understanding of postsnap adjustments and man-match principles.

Stats:
  • 1 missed tackle on the season in RDEF (grade 90.6)
  • 10.3% missed tackle rate, 7 of them v the pass (mostly from awkward angles - def not an ankle tackler, he wraps up)
  • 6.5 TFL (2nd best in this CB draft class)
  • 471 coverage snaps, targeted 79 times, 41 completions (51.9%), 441 yards, 2 TDs, NFL Passer Rating 49.1
  • 5 interceptions (1st in class) 13 PBUs (2nd in class)
  • blitzed 11 times, 4 pressures, 1 sack
Dave Birkett asked him yesterday if Detroit had given him any indication they would take him. "That's classified." Grabbed the mic on the stage after he was announced and kept shouting to the fans "i'm home!"
Nick Saban was doing commentary for ABC and said that Arnold was better playing press than zone and improved from previous year.
When asked about playing with Branch said that Arnold should play outside and Branch inside.
Saban said that coaching the DBs was his favorite part of coaching,
 
After celebrating the upside of the Arnold pick comes the downside of the Lions not having a 3 or 4 pick. Dallas made the Lions overpay to move up.

Based on Holmes’ comments Arnold was definitely one of the guys that met their standards. Heard that Arnold is physical and aggressive with good character.
 
People are way too concerned about draft position and what we gave up. The Lions saw a guy they probably thought would go 10-15....just because the draft chart says it was slightly overpaid for, the value was an absolute bargain. Assuming he works out, drafting a guy who is a legit shut down CB for the draft capital they spent was an absolute bargain. Brad doing Brad. It is not like we had any chance of drafting four starters this season. The Lions are stacked at every position with the only positions which are not a big strength is second edge and WR3.
 
People are way too concerned about draft position and what we gave up. The Lions saw a guy they probably thought would go 10-15....just because the draft chart says it was slightly overpaid for, the value was an absolute bargain. Assuming he works out, drafting a guy who is a legit shut down CB for the draft capital they spent was an absolute bargain. Brad doing Brad. It is not like we had any chance of drafting four starters this season. The Lions are stacked at every position with the only positions which are not a big strength is second edge and WR3.
I agree 100%. This was a very unique opportunity in this draft with the top defensive players getting pushed down and having a big need on that side of the ball, glad we took advantage and added an impact player in our secondary. It thins us out a bit for the rest of the draft but I trust Holmes in his evaluation of Arnold to be excited they made the move. Staying put probably gets us a decent IOL but 2nd round you miss on an impact defensive player so I like the trade off and trust the regime made the right decision.
 
Beebe and Haynes two IOLs to watch for in the 2nd round.

Excellent idea; Haynes is a better scheme fit but both will have long careers.

I wouldn’t be opposed to grabbing Jaylx Hunt. Might sit for two years but the raw material is exciting, he’s a true developmental guy in need of high level coaching. Has everything you look for in a natural Edge: explosion, length and power, with a frame to add weight if desired.
 
Well, thanks for giving Dallas a mid 3rd rounder in a class so deep it's like a mid 2nd rounder. And congrats on your slow cornerback. What could go wrong?




Also, just kidding. I did a deep deep dive on Worthy and watched the Alabama game twice. Worthy got clean releases and easy separation against Kool-Aid, but Arnold shut him down, smothered him, matched his routes step for step. I think he's the best corner in the draft.
 
Impact players at premium positions are found at the top of the draft.

Missing out on WR14 or ED11 is a non sequitur IMO.

Also, all but one of the teams between the Jags and the Bills (Chiefs) had CB on their wish list.

Besides It is always great to jump the Packers. Look forward to the Tom Grossi reaction.....and he comes through again!
lol
Not quite as good as last year’s meltdown but satisfying all the same.
 
There needs to be a video of Brad Holmes top table-pounding, chest-bumping moments of the draft. You can see Brad absolutely loves what he does and he puts his heart and soul into the draft. Can't wait to see this year's reaction. If the Lions were drafting at #10, they make the same pick, so it was really another dream scenario which played out. As much as it seems Brad gets lucky, like Jacksonville drafting Walker, it is Brad's work and preparation that allows him to pivot at get exactly what he wants.

Brad is prepared for whatever draft scenario breaks out and is never indecisive. I knew at pick 15 Brad had to be working the phones figuring out where he could move up. He patiently waited, found his ideal spot and pulled the trigger like the draft master he is.
 
Pick 61 might be ED, IOL, or WR?

comments are from PFF Draft Guide

EDGE
  • Adissa Isac
    Penn State
    Isaac is a very solid edge prospect. First and foremost, he is a stout run defender, even at a low weight. His hand placement and leverage are consistent and effective when holding the line of scrimmage, which allows him to rip off blocks to make tackles after setting the edge. His hands are also active when rushing the passer. He loves the club-rip move, and he uses it consistently to turn the corner and get around blockers quickly. My biggest issue with him stems from concerns about his strength due to his lower weight. His burst and pursuit speed aren’t elite, but they are good enough for the next level. If he can pack on some extra pounds for added strength and anchor ability while remaining adequately explosive, he has the handwork and pass-rush profile of an NFL starter.
  • Marshawn Kneeland
    Western Michigan
    Kneeland’s film looks like a car crash from an action movie — in a good way. He puts his big body on the line every snap, and he doesn’t want to run around his blockers; he wants to run through them. His pass-rush profile is built around an all-out bull rush. He also likes to combine his gap-shooting ability with a good first step and a violent rip move to get free. He has been an impactful run defender, making frequent tackles for loss. He’s a bit stiff when it comes to changing direction and doesn’t have the deepest bag of pass-rush moves, as he prefers to win with strength more than finesse. Teams will love his passion for physicality. He has the body, explosiveness and mentality of a contributor.
  • Jonah Ellis
    Utah
    Elliss comes from an NFL family, and it shows. He’s smart and disciplined with his fundamentals, which helps him overcome some strength and length deficiencies. His hands are fast and consistently in the right place inside and at the chest of offensive tackles, which allows him to dictate contact and remain in control, even against stronger players. He has a variety of pass-rush moves, and in 2023, he expanded his repertoire even more with a variety of different swipes and rip combinations. He has an adequate first step for the NFL and can corner better than most in this class. Elliss will have to get stronger if he is to continue being the difference-maker he was in 2023. If he can add weight while remaining as quick and flexible, he can be an impactful pass-rusher.
  • Chris Braswell
    Alabama
    Braswell is an impressive athlete on the edge. His first-step explosiveness, pursuit speed and natural strength are all starting caliber for the NFL. His speed-to-power bull rush moves even the biggest offensive tackle back at least two or three steps. It has taken him some time to hone his fundamentals to get on the field as a starting outside linebacker — and it didn’t help he had Will Anderson Jr. in front of him. He still has some inconsistencies with his hand placement and pass-rush timing, and he needs more counters and better hand usage to get off blocks. Even so, this kind of athlete wins at the professional level.
  • Jalyx Hunt
    Houston Christian
    Hunt lacks nuance for the position (whether that is in natural leverage, stance or block shedding) but that can all be improved. He has explosiveness, length and power that you can't teach, so he is worth drafting in the middle rounds to develop as a pass rushing outside linebacker. Former S who should improve with good coaching making him a low floor, high ceiling project.
 
After celebrating the upside of the Arnold pick comes the downside of the Lions not having a 3 or 4 pick. Dallas made the Lions overpay to move up.

Based on Holmes’ comments Arnold was definitely one of the guys that met their standards. Heard that Arnold is physical and aggressive with good character.
Remind me what happened to the 4th rounder
 
After celebrating the upside of the Arnold pick comes the downside of the Lions not having a 3 or 4 pick. Dallas made the Lions overpay to move up.

Based on Holmes’ comments Arnold was definitely one of the guys that met their standards. Heard that Arnold is physical and aggressive with good character.
Remind me what happened to the 4th rounder

Hock trade

Lions received a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick
Vikings got a 2023 fourth-round selection and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick along with Hockenson
 
INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

Jackson Powers-Johnson
C
Oregon
Rank 27
ADP 27.7

Zach Frazier
C
West Virginia
Rank 33
ADP 40

Christian Haynes
G
Connecticut
Rank 60
ADP 63.8

Cooper Beebe
G
Kansas State
Rank 93
ADP 90.7

Mason McCormick
G
South Dakota State
Rank 95
ADP 93.2

Sedrick Van Pran
C
Gerogia
Rank 100
ADP 95.8

Christian Mahogany
G
Boston College
Rank 106
ADP 101.9

Hunter Nourzad
C
Penn State
Rank 111
ADP 126.2

Trevor Keegan
G
Michigan
Rank 126
ADP 125.3

Tanor Bortolini
C
Wisconsin
Rank 128
ADP 139.1

Zak Zinter
G
Michigan
Rank 163
ADP 159.7

Beaux Limmer
C
Arkansas
Rank 174
ADP 168

Javion Cohen
G
Miami (FL)
Rank 194
ADP 196.9

Dylan McMahon
C
North Carolina State
Rank 249
ADP 241.2

Layden Robinson
G
Texas A&M
Rank 263
ADP 242

C.J. Hanson
G
Holy Cross
Rank 280
ADP 229.5

Andrew Raym
C
Oklahoma
Rank 286
ADP 237.2

Drake Nugent
C
Michigan
Rank 291
ADP 193.4
 
Lions used their 2024 3rd round pick to acquire Carlton Davis and the Vikings 2024 3rd round pick to land Terrion Arnold.

Two starting cornerbacks for a pair of 3rds?

Yes, please.
Not to be pedantic, but there's also the actual first rounder they used on Arnold.

(But agree with your broader point that both trades seem smart)
 
Here is my hot take....The Lions secondary is now the strength of their defense.

Really think the we are very good at all three levels (not elite, but still very good), but I think our secondary is our strongest unit. Our secondary coaching staff was completely overhauled, two new free agents, a top draft pick, two young studs, and an injured guy coming back.
 
I would love to nab Jackson-Powers Johnson in the 2nd but doubt he lasts. I do wonder if Detroit would burn the rest of their capital to grab one more impactful guy if he started to slide versus sitting tight and keeping the late rounders.
 
I would love to nab Jackson-Powers Johnson in the 2nd but doubt he lasts. I do wonder if Detroit would burn the rest of their capital to grab one more impactful guy if he started to slide versus sitting tight and keeping the late rounders.
If the right player falls to the right spot, I don't have any doubt that Brad would move up.
 
I would love to nab Jackson-Powers Johnson in the 2nd but doubt he lasts. I do wonder if Detroit would burn the rest of their capital to grab one more impactful guy if he started to slide versus sitting tight and keeping the late rounders.

The Lions roster is in good shape to do that. In years past, those 3rd, 4th, 5th and even 6th round picks had a chance to start. Now they are depth pieces or maybe practice squad material. It is always nice to be able to take some flyers and developmental guys, but the Lions are fighting for titles now, so if there is a guy who can provide that impact, heck yeah, go get him.
 
IDK, I think at #61 you still have a chance to land a solid Ed, S or future proof the IOL. WR will be getting thin (Baker, McMillan, Walker type level unless it gets weird.)

Trade for additional picks, if you find a willing partner, would be great as well though. Typical move might be 61 for HOU 86 & 127. The hit rate on late 2nd is marginally different from late 3rd / late 4th. Outside top 50 pretty much everyone is just a swing and a prayer.

Though I do like the odds of Brad finding contributors over the average GM.
 
@justin_rogers

Odds Brad Holmes trades back tonight to bridge massive gap between picks 61 and 164? Feels like 84%.



@davebirkett​

Minimum.​
 
I would love to nab Jackson-Powers Johnson in the 2nd but doubt he lasts. I do wonder if Detroit would burn the rest of their capital to grab one more impactful guy if he started to slide versus sitting tight and keeping the late rounders.

The Lions roster is in good shape to do that. In years past, those 3rd, 4th, 5th and even 6th round picks had a chance to start. Now they are depth pieces or maybe practice squad material. It is always nice to be able to take some flyers and developmental guys, but the Lions are fighting for titles now, so if there is a guy who can provide that impact, heck yeah, go get him.
I agree, but they've only got 5th, 6th, and 7th round picks to deal at this point. I don't think that's going to buy you very many slots in the 2nd.
 
Love the title @Da Guru !
I'm fairly positive Holmes has Nick Satan on speed dial.
Malcolm Gladwell used to have a bit where he would ask why a professional coach wouldn't just outsource his decision-making to the best college coaches. He was talking about basketball, so his point was just draft a bunch of Duke and UConn guys because you know if they were good enough for Coach K/Calhoun, that was a good sign they would be good for your team.

When you think about it, that's what a lot of the top investment banks, law firms and consultancies do. They only hire from Harvard or Stanford or Wharton or wherever. They know they'll miss out on some guys, but the idea is that you're increasing your odds of hitting.

(For the record, I think there are problems with this approach if you take it too far, which I won't go into here for fear of sidetracking the conversation. But I do think that, all other things being equal, there's nothing wrong with giving a little extra weight to the Saban guys or whoever)
 
I would love to nab Jackson-Powers Johnson in the 2nd but doubt he lasts. I do wonder if Detroit would burn the rest of their capital to grab one more impactful guy if he started to slide versus sitting tight and keeping the late rounders.

The Lions roster is in good shape to do that. In years past, those 3rd, 4th, 5th and even 6th round picks had a chance to start. Now they are depth pieces or maybe practice squad material. It is always nice to be able to take some flyers and developmental guys, but the Lions are fighting for titles now, so if there is a guy who can provide that impact, heck yeah, go get him.
I agree, but they've only got 5th, 6th, and 7th round picks to deal at this point. I don't think that's going to buy you very many slots in the 2nd.

Plus 9 picks in 2025:
  • R1
  • R2
  • R3
  • R4
  • R4 PHI
  • R5
  • R6 TB
  • R7 DAL
  • R7
If ever there was a time to go for it…
 
One pick in the next day and a half. :zzz:

Brad Holmes did deliver the goods last night. That must have been something when 275,000 fans erupting.
 

“Top-30” visits

  • CB Qwan’tez Sitggers, CFL

Other meetings (formal @ Combine):

  • WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina
  • WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
  • WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina
  • LB Aaron Casey, Indiana
  • EDGE Nelson Caesar, Houston
  • EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, WMU
  • EDGE Darius Robinson, Missouri
  • EDGE Bralen Trice, Washington
  • CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
  • CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
  • S Sione Vaki, Utah
  • S Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest

Any chance that Kneeland will fall six more picks?
 

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