Terrion Arnold shows impressive toughness during practice with Giants

The Detroit Lions traded up in April's draft to select cornerback Terrion Arnold, as they felt he fit all they were looking for in a cornerback. So far, so good on that front.

Joint practices against the New York Giants this week before the preseason opener was another step for Arnold, with a chance to show off his makeup against an actual opponent.

Before Monday's practice, head coach Campbell explained how he likes the opportunity to take players out of their comfort zones.

"It's another environment (where) the intensity goes up, there's a little bit more pressure because you're out here with another team, other players, other organizations, different fans. I think you find out a couple of things about these guys that you might not ordinarily find out until you get into a game. So it's just a different way to evaluate and it breaks up camp, too."

During Monday's practice, Arnold was on the receiving end of a big hit from Giants' offensive tackle Andrew Thomas. On a run play, Thomas got out in front of Arnold and gave him a pop that reverberated on the field.

After the hit, as reported by Colton Pouncy of The Athletic and others, Arnold left the practice field with a trainer. Subsequent reports said Arnold is being evaluated for a concussion.

Regardless of what comes for Arnold in terms of a diagnosis, he took on his first major NFL hit without shying away. A situation taking on a block like that is not for the faint of heart when you're clearly the smaller player.

The Lions knew Arnold was tough based on his tape from Alabama, and what he had already shown them. But after seeing him on the field absorb such a hit, they may have a better understanding about the readiness of their young cornerback. Hopefully he has avoided a serious issue.

Overall, leaving the to be determined injury question aside, it's the kind of situation that could go a long way toward accelerating Arnold's development.