Don't look now, but the Lions' 2024 draft class might be starting a redemption arc

Perhaps it was shortsighted to claim that the Detroit Lions' 2024 draft class was a complete wash.

And, to be fair, it might be shortsighted to declare that the class has firmly bounced back with just one solid game under their collective belt.

But, as of now and following a Week 3 win over the New York Jets, it feels like three key members from that oft-maligned draft class - guard Christian Mahogany, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and running back Sione Vaki - have found some sort of groove. And, that's a great thing for the Lions' front office ahead of a key November trade deadline.

3 Lions draft picks from 2024 seem ready to finally contribute

Christian Mahogany

Mahogany returned in Week 3 as the Lions' starting left guard in earnest. Ben Bartch was inactive for the game, so Mahogany was relied upon to play for a majority of the contest despite coming off a Week 1 injury.

And...he was fine. No bruises, no nicks, no limping off the field. Mahogany was excellent in pass protection and with his run blocking in this game, picking up an 88.5 PFF pass blocking grade from the contest. That was good for third-overall, and tied with another Lion, Tate Ratledge.

Detroit desperately needs Mahogany to figure it out consistently at left guard. For starters, their depth there is thin - Bartch is basically the only other competition to Mahogany, and he's even more injury prone than the homegrown guard. Juice Scruggs is a potential competitor for Mahogany there, but again, Mahogany has the leg-up having shown how good he can be with his Jets performance.

He's basically the last piece of the puzzle for the Lions being able to run out a consistently great line for this season, and many seasons from now.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

Rakestraw was a standout on defense in this game, posting one defended pass and looking sticky in coverage through his limited snaps. Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Monday that Rakestraw has "earned" more chances to stick in the regular cornerback rotation moving forward.

Rakestraw is lengthy and young, two characteristics you absolutely cannot use to describe the rest of the Lions' cornerback room. The Lions have a duty to give him a shot moving forward ahead of the trade deadline. Not giving him a fair shake at CB2 and just trading for someone to bury him on the depth chart would be malpractice.

READ MORE: DJ Wonnum’s big game vs Jets is an encouraging sign for Lions defense

Also, wouldn't it be awesome if Brad Holmes could save his draft picks, and money, by landing a CB2 straight from the existing roster?

Sione Vaki

Vaki might've been the most impactful 2024 draft pick from Week 3 thanks to his pass blocking. Jahmyr Gibbs, respectfully, looked like a turnstile against New York's pass rush, and the Lions had to go with Vaki numerous times over Gibbs on pass plays to ensure that Jared Goff wasn't relentlessly pancaked. He showed a ton of grit and resolve in those moments, and earned a lot more opportunities with the offense moving forward.

Detroit is desperate for a solid RB2 behind Gibbs, and one that offers at least a fraction of the kind of pass blocking they lost when trading David Montgomery away. If he can at least use his physicality for this, and for some short yardage situations, he's valuable to offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and to Goff.

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