2024 NFL Draft had several twists and turns. There were several deals early on, including the Detroit Lions moving up in the late first round to take Alabama standout Terrion Arnold. As it turns out, they may have grabbed him from their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
Arnold, who had several high grades entering the draft, was also allegedly a primary target for Green Bay, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
‘It’s feasible that the Lions beat out an NFC North opponent for a top corner. As Detroit climbed from No. 29 to No. 24 to sign cornerback Terrion Arnold, the Packers, ranked No. 25, were among the clubs on Arnold’s radar entering the 20s. The notion is that Arnold was highly regarded in Green Bay.
So the Lions moved in front of the Packers to choose Arnold, while the Packers chose Arizona OL Jordan Morgan. It was the opposite of the 2018 NFL Draft, when Green Bay took Jaire Alexander two picks before the Lions. Alexander has since become a star, so Detroit may not have wanted to see that happen again.
Terrion Arnold is a massive pick for the Lions.
Terrion Arnold was widely expected to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. He appeared in 25 games for the Crimson Tide over his final two seasons, totaling 108 tackles with a sack, 20 PDs, and six interceptions. So the Lions moving up to draft him is significant, especially given their recent run to the NFC championship game and their interest in Alabama players.
Over the last four drafts, the Lions have taken Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, and now Arnold in the first round, so it is not surprise that they will select another former Crimson Tide standout.
According to Fowler, one AFC scout praised Arnold as the top cornerback in the class.
“As far as talent, speed, coverage, ball production, tackling, size, ability to play inside and outside — I had him as the best corner.”
Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo was the first cornerback picked in the draft, choosing No. 22 to the Philadelphia Eagles. Following that, Arnold became the second at his position in the first round, which began offensively.
Nonetheless, the Lions not only landed a star cornerback, but they also prevented a division rival from acquiring him, making things even better overall. The Packers chose three safeties in the draft: Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, and Kitan Oladapo. They also selected Penn State’s Kalen King with their final pick in the seventh round, but Terrion Arnold was clearly high on their wish list.
