Grading each Detroit Lions pick from the 2024 NFL Draft
The Detroit Lions entered the 2024 NFL Draft with seven picks, and exited it with six picks/players selected. Brad Holmes traded up a few times, and only one pick was made in the spot it was originally.
But when you have a roster with few holes, it's fine to consolidate draft capital, maybe tap into future draft capital, and just go get your guys. And Holmes has more than earned the benefit of any doubt when it comes to his moves in the draft. With so few roster spots seeming open, fewer draft picks is probably better.
The reviews of the Lions' 2024 draft class are coming in, and they're coming in strong by whatever measure someone might want to use.
With that, here's our pick-by-pick grades of the Lions' 2024 draft class.
Detroit Lions 2024 NFL Draft: Grading each pick
First Round, No. 24 overall: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
As 23 offensive players were taken in the first round, including the first 14 picks, defensive players fell down the board. That worked to the Lions' advantage, with more of their need areas on that side of the ball. Arnold, the No. 1 cornerback in this class for many draft analysts, fell to No. 24 and Holmes pounced, trading No. 29 overall and No. 73 overall to get him.
Arnold posted the 13th-best overall Pro Football Focus grade among college cornerbacks last season (88.4), with an 84.9 coverage grade and a 90.6 run defense grade (third-best). He allowed just a 50.7 passer rating in his coverage last year (41 receptions allowed on 79 targets, per PFF), with five interceptions and 12 pass breakups.
Holmes said Arnold was the top cornerback on the Lions' draft board by a notable margin (a "significant line underneath him to next guy", was the exact quote) with intangible qualities to go with his all-around talent.
With where the Lions had their picks coming into the draft, you could take issue with the idea of parting with a third round pick to move up five spots for Arnold. But a high grade right after it happened may stand on even better ground now.