The Detroit Lions captured magic during the 2023 NFL season. Under the guidance of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell, Detroit completed their rebuild by returning to the playoffs and winning their first playoff game since the Clinton administration. The energy of that high-powered offense led them to the NFC Championship game, where they were a few dropped passes away from their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. Instead of backing down, Brad Holmes used the 49ers loss to continue to build this roster. Adding a veteran like DJ Reader to the defensive line is a massive help. Now heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, the Lions needed to add the finishing touches to this Super Bowl contender.
2024 NFL Draft: Did the Detroit Lions Address Their Needs?
1st round, 24th overall: cornerback Terrion Arnold
While the Detroit Lions offense was one of the best in the league, the defense was still searching for its identity. Although they improved in the second half of the season, the team desperately needed to add to their secondary. Brad Holmes sent the Cowboys the 29th overall and 73rd overall picks to Detroit to move up to pick 24. A worthy gamble much to the delight of the hometown crowd at the draft.
Terrion Arnold has been praised by scouts. The Alabama cornerback was a consensus-first-team All-American this season. Arnold possesses the speed and aggressiveness needed to hang with the best wide receivers in the league. Learning from an experienced cornerback like Aaron Glenn as his defensive coordinator will be great for his development. Joining a cornerback room with Emmanuel Moseley, Carlton Davis, and Brian Branch; Detroit’s secondary is in a much better place.
Grade: A
2nd round, 61st overall: cornerback Ennis Rakestraw
After trading up for Arnold, Brad Holmes had to make the 61st pick count. Without a third-round pick, Holmes opted to double-dip at cornerback. With Cam Sutton released and Emmanuel Moseley entering free agency, depth is a must. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. played a large role in helping the Missouri Tigers to an 11-win season. After finishing 27th in opponent passing yards allowed, Detroit’s secondary needs Rakestraw’s physicality. His undersized frame shouldn’t fool you. His 32-inch arm length came in handy after allowing 18 receptions on 28 targets. What he lacked in interceptions, he makes up for in-man coverage and has quality anticipation to knock passes loose.
While he suffered a torn ACL in 2021, he played 22 games the past two seasons. His physicality shined with 70 total tackles in the past two seasons. The Eli Drinkwitz pupil will benefit greatly from playing opposite Arnold in the future. Aaron Glenn will appreciate this young duo in his cornerback room this season.
Grade: A-
4th round, 126th overall: offensive tackle Giovanni Manu
With one of the strongest offensive lines in football last season, Brad Holmes is willing to gamble on the upside. Few players offer as much raw talent as Giovanni Manu of the University of British Columbia. While Manu lacks experience against higher competition, he passes all the visual tests. Standing at a whopping six foot seven inches and over 325 lbs of lean muscle, Manu has some major upside. Despite his limitations in pass protection, he flashed some impressive strength as a run blocker. It’s a gamble to move a 2025 third-round pick for him. However, if it works then David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs will appreciate a run blocker like him.
Grade: C+
4th round, 132nd overall: runningback/safety Sione Vaki
After taking a gamble on their last pick, why not roll the dice again? Although he primarily played safety in Utah, Sione Vaki was introduced as a running back. The position change can do him some good. Vaki became a fan favorite due to his physicality and anticipation on tackles at safety. His upside as a safety is limited due to his coverage ability. But, he produced for the Utes in emergency running back duties. His 158 yards against Cal is only a preview of his potential in this offense.
Grade: B+
6th round, 169th overall: defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo
At six foot/280 lbs, LSU’s Mekhi Wingo may lack size, but you’re witnessing a talented defender when that tape plays. Wingo has the natural strength needed to separate from lateral blocks. Despite losing battles at times due to his length, Wingo’s hop-and-chop move makes it tough for guards to stop as he goes into a pass rush. Rotating him on the line between Hutchinson and Reader with James Houston will be tough to stop. Brad Holmes could have a Sheldon Rankins clone for cheap if Wingo develops into a starter.
Grade: A-
6th round, 210th overall: offensive guard Christian Mahogany
The Kevin Zeitler signing is a band-aid for the long-term future at right guard after losing Jonah Jackson. It’s a gamble, however, the potential of Christian Mahogany is worth the risk, especially in the 6th round. A standout guard at Boston College, Mahogany earned second-team all-conference honors in the ACC. A torn ACL cost him his junior season in 2022. He returned to All ACC form but excelled to first-team honors. While his pass protection is a work in progress, refining his technique behind Zeitler is a great learning opportunity for him. The Lions might cap off a great draft adding a long-term guard if Mahogany is as good as advertised.
Grade: A+
Overall Grade: A-
Main Photo: [Eric Seals] – USA Today Sports
