Lions trade up, draft cornerback Terrion Arnold
The reshaping of Detroit’s secondary this offseason has extended into the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Lions traded up from No. 29 to No. 24 with the Dallas Cowboys to select Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold, 21, who some draft analysts considered the top cornerback in the draft. He was the top cornerback on the Lions’ draft board, according to GM Brad Holmes.
“I don’t want to say speechless, but overly thrilled how tonight went,” Holmes said after the first round concluded Thursday. “It happened to match up the best football player (on our board) and was an area where we wanted to add one (cornerback) at some point.”
It’s the second straight draft Lions general manager Brad Holmes has selected an Alabama cornerback, taking Brian Branch in the second round last year.
The Lions gave up No. 29 and their third-round pick (No. 73) to move up five spots and gained a 2025 seventh-round pick in the trade.
Detroit traded for veteran cornerback Carlton Davis this offseason and signed Amik Robertson in free agency, knowing they had to improve the league’s 27th ranked pass defense. Arnold has a chance to come in and compete with Robertson, Emmanuel Moseley, Kindle Vildor and others for playing time.
“He brings competition to our room,” Lions passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend said after the team made the selection.
Townsend said the Lions were really impressed with Arnold’s football IQ and ball skills in the pre-draft process. Arnold took a pre-draft visit to Detroit, and the team spent time with him at the NFL Scouting Combine. Holmes said Arnold had a great workout at his pro day.
“He’s got a challenge mindset,” Holmes said. “He’s got a challenge mentality. He’s got the physicality. He’s gritty and he’s still developing.”
Arnold can track and find the football, which is something the Lions think will translate to the NFL. He led the SEC in both passes defended (17) and interceptions (five) this past season, growing into one of the top cornerbacks in the country. He also chipped in 63 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. Arnold defended more passes (26) than games he played (25) in his college career.
