2024 Detroit Lions draft analysis

 

Round # 1 Pick # 24

Terrion Arnold CB Alabama 5116  188 4.5 4.53 37" 35.5" 1009 6.69 4.24 
25 games 21 starts 108 tackles 6 int 1ff 26 PBU
Hometown: Tallahassee 
Age 21

Analysis:

The Lions trade their 3rd round pick to get #24 to draft Arnold. Arnold has good length and quickness. He plays the ball well in the air and is a solid tackler. I rated him the third best CB in this years draft. The reason is a lack of long speed. He ran 4.5 at the combine and 4.53 at his pro day. I like the corners to be sub 4.45. Hopefully his quickness and ball skills will make up for the lack of speed.

Pro Football Focus scored him 88.3 grade. 41/79/5 441 yards 2 touchdowns when targeted in 2023. 

Round # 2 Pick #61 

Ennis Rakestraw CB Missouri 5117 187  4.51 4.56 13 1000  4.38 

36 games 32 starts 106 tackles 1 int 24 PBU 3 FF

Hometown: West Dallas, TX

Age: 22

Analysis:

Described as tough competitive player. Ennis does not have the desired athletic profile for an NFL corner. 4.51 at the combine and 4.56 at his pro day are a red flag. Weighing in at under 190 lbs and with one career interception is as well. He has a history injury concerns including a torn ACL and groin injury that limited him this last season. 

He makes up for it with a physical approach to the game. Should contribute immediately on special teams.  Once again it comes down to can run well enough to cover NFL receivers. Both Daniel Jeremiah and Pro Football Focus were very high on his film. Jeremiah ranked him # 32 overall and Pro Football Focus at # 46.

Pro Football Focus scored him at 80.7 overall. 18/28/0 197 yards 1 td when targeted.

Other Lions CB 40 times

Carlton Davis 4.53 Combine 4.44 Pro Day

Kindle Vildor 4.44 Combine

Cam Sutton 4.52 Combine

Jerry Jacobs 4.53 pro day

Mike Hughes 4.53 Combine

Teez Tabor 4.62 Combine

Dre Bly 4.51 Combine

Alex Carter 4.51 Combine

Nevin Lawson 4.48 Combine

Alphonso Smith 4.47 Combine

Bill Bentley 4.42 Combine

Stanley Wilson 4.39 C

Eric Wright 4.37 C

Chris Houston 4.37 C

Darius Slay 4.36 C

Jeff Okudah 4.48 c

Round 4 Pick # 126

Giovanni Manu OT British Columbia 6073 352 5.06 23 33.5" 811 8.29 4.81

39 starts (32 left tackle 6 left guard)

Hometown: Pitts Meadow British Columbia

Age: 23

Analysis:

A raw player from Canada. He has rare size and good athletic ability. 34 5/8" arms. He struggles at the agility tests. Has time to develop behind Zeitler and will be groomed to play right guard. Giving up a third round pick was costly price to pay but if he develops into a quality starter it will be worth it.

Round 4 Pick # 132

Sione Vaki RB Utah 5111 213 4.62 4.51 20 39.5" 1005 7.16 4.28

26 games 17 starts 92 tackles 1 int 42/317/2 rush 11/203/3 rec 

Hometown: Antioch, CA

Age: 23 years old

Analysis:

A two player at Utah. Started at safety but made a big impact as ball carrier and receiver. The Lions will use him on offense where he has shown great hands. His primary role will be on special teams. He can cover and return. My man Master P was on this guy from the combine. He would send me highlights and tell me much how much he would fit in Detroit.

Round 6 Pick # 189

Mekhi Wingo DT LSU 6002 286 4.85 28 31.5" 801 7.33 4.45

LSU 22/20 51 tackles 7.5 sacks

Missouri 12/4 27 tackles 1 sack 1/40/1 int

Hometown: St. Louis

Age 21

Analysis:

Undersized but quick 3 technique tackle. Made an impact as a pass rusher. Wore the # 18 at LSU as tribute to his team play. Has upside as he will play this season at 21 years old. Was rated as the #9 defensive tackle by Dana Bulger. 

Round 6 Pick # 210

Christian Mahogany OG Boston College 6033 316 5.13 32.5"901 7.81 4.53

34 starts

Hometown: Elmwood Park, NJ

Age 24

Analysis:

A tough run blocking right guard. Missed 2022 with a torn ACL but started all 12 games last season. Rated as the # 7 guard by Dana Bulger, has starter potential for the Lions.

Overall:

The Lions brought in their guys. Tough, physical players. The big question will be can the corners run well enough to be effective in man coverage. Manu is a developmental project. Vaki helps on special teams. Wingo and Mahogany both have starter potential.