PFF's top takeaway about Lions after NFL Draft should excite fans

The Detroit Lions came into the offseason with some clear needs, and their biggest goal was shown to be beefing up a secondary that struggled in 2023.

In free agency, the Lions added cornerbacks Carlton Davis (via trade) and Amik Robertson. Instead of resting on that laurel the Lions then attacked the position in the draft, adding young studs Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rackstraw with their first two picks.

General manager Brad Holmes said Arnold and Rakestraw were their top two cornerbacks in this draft class, which rings true and sets aside any possible hyperbole because they are who the ended up with.

Pro Football Focus analyst Dalton Wasserman has outlined one big takeaway from the draft for each team. For the Lions, the takeaway was very clear-completely overhauling the secondary.

"Alabama’s Terrion Arnold adds a feisty presence to the secondary. Surely, head coach Dan Campbell loves Arnold's competitiveness after seeing him finish 2023 with five interceptions, 13 pass breakups and a 90.6 run-defense grade. Arnold’s ability to play inside or outside could play a pivotal role if the team is trying to use Brian Branch in a more traditional safety role."

"Detroit selected another outstanding SEC cornerback in Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Rakestraw also finished with an excellent run-defense grade last season (89.0). He is one of the best zone cornerbacks in this draft class and missed only three tackles last season. The Lions fixed their biggest flaw and now seem poised for a Super Bowl run in 2024."

The secondary was the Lions' biggest flaw last season, and it has been aggressively addressed.

The Lions have made all the right moves in cornerback overhaul

In their respective comments after being traded for, signed and drafted respectively, Davis, Robertson, Arnold and Rakestraw seem to be exactly what the Lions needed and wanted at cornerback. Confidence/swagger, backed by intangible willingness to work, etc.

The Lions' cornerback room needed an overhaul this offseason, which became further necessary with the situation that led to Cameron Sutton being released in March. The overhaul has been done, right along the lines of Brad Holmes' profession that, to paraphrase, "not everyone can play for the Detroit Lions."