Rookie review and setting early expectations for second season of Detroit Lions' 2024 draft class
Allen Park — In his four years leading the Detroit Lions, general manager Brad Holmes has successfully executed his strategy of building through the draft.
Through this process, Holmes has solidified the franchise's foundation and landed star power in his first three classes. From 2021-23, the GM selected at least two players each year who have earned either Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors.
This year, the trend of instant impact was lessened. With a deep and talented roster, Holmes was only able to add one Day 1 starter in 2024. Four of the remaining five selections saw fewer than 100 offensive or defensive snaps.
This is how it should be for good teams. We're used to the Lions needing multiple rookies to play significant roles because of a lack of talent and depth. That's no longer the case, and it's a good reminder draft picks come with a four-year vision, not one.
As we embrace the offseason, let's recap the contributions of Detroit's rookie class and set early expectations for the group's second season.
Cornerback Terrion Arnold
16 games, 15 starts, 948 defensive snaps, nine special teams snaps
2024 performance
Arnold, at just 21 years old, was thrown directly into the fire for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Predictably, there were early struggles, particularly adjusting to how tightly defensive backs are officiated in the NFL.
Arnold was flagged eight times in the first four games, including five pass interference infractions and two defensive holding calls. Additionally, when targeted during that stretch, he allowed a passer rating of 113.3, giving up 14 receptions on 19 throws in his direction.
But things smoothed out as the debut season progressed. Most notably, the penalties declined sharply. Arnold drew just two flags on defense through his remaining 11 appearances and none in the final five games, including the team’s postseason contest.
The coverage numbers also improved. During the back half of the season — starting with the team’s Week 10 game against Houston — Arnold allowed quarterbacks to complete just 52.6% of their 38 throws when targeting him in coverage. Those 20 receptions netted 319 yards and a touchdown, resulting in a respectable 89.7 passer rating.
His ball production is still developing. Although he had 10 pass defenses, he’s still looking for his first interception after picking five during his final season at Alabama.
As a run defender, Arnold is an eager contributor and sure tackler, but he occasionally takes a bad angle. He tallied 60 tackles and was assessed only three whiffs.
Arnold suffered several minor injuries that sidelined him for a handful of plays during many games. Still, overall, he proved to be durable during his rookie campaign. He missed one game with a groin injury and played 86.5% of the defensive snaps overall.
What they’re saying
“We knew that it wasn’t going to be too big for him psychologically. He’s a highly confident kid. (He) had some up and down moments early on, had some aggressive moments, which was a good thing, didn’t have any timid moments. But I think all those snaps that he played are going to serve him well going forward.
“You just saw the waters were a little choppy early and then you saw the waters kind of calm down, kind of midpoint to later in the season. So, very high expectations for him going forward. Again, we all know how he’s wired. He’s wired the right way. He’s long, he’s athletic, he’s got instincts, he’s tough, he’ll tackle, and so all those reps are just going to improve his confidence even more.” — general manager Brad Holmes
2025 expectations
Arnold’s confidence is so high it’s borderline comical. In training camp, he told me he’d be winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Then, as the season went on, nearly every week we talked, he would predict this would be the game he’d get his first interception.
Undeterred after failing to meet those goals, Arnold took things even further on locker room cleanout day.
“I’ll be the best corner in the league pretty soon,” Arnold said. “I’m very confident.”
We know, Terrion. We know.
The Lions would settle for Arnold staying on his current developmental path. Plus, if the team doesn’t re-sign Carlton Davis, they could be looking to the youngster to be their No. 1 corner next season.
Arnold will look to keep the completion percentage and penalties down, as he did down the stretch in 2024. His experience should elevate his awareness, ideally leading to increased ball and turnover production.
Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw
Eight games, 46 defensive snaps, 95 special teams snaps