Terrion Arnold could not contain his enthusiasm after getting picked by the Lions on Thursday night. Whether it was when he seized the microphone on stage during the NFL Network broadcast to address the crowd—or the morning after when he recorded a brief selfie video in bed.
“I was so happy last night I slept with my hat on, man,” Arnold said. “One pride. Went to sleep last night a Lion, woke up a Lion. One pride, let’s get to work.”
During the first round of the 2024 Draft in Detroit, offense ruled most of the first round with a record six quarterbacks taken in the first 12 picks. In fact a majority of offensive players went early, pushing some of the top defenders down in the round.
That left an opening for the Lions which traded up with a third round pick from pick 29 to 24 with the Cowboys, in order to take Arnold – considered by many to be the top cornerback in the Draft. The Alabama All-American was asked about sliding into the back of the first round and said he plans to use it for motivation.
“It just makes me want to go in there with that much more of a chip on my shoulder,” he said, adding he appreciated the Lions effort to trade up. “Obviously just even being drafted is a blessing, but for them to trade up and get me and just know it’s all about fit. I’m ready to get to work.
The Lions have made it a habit of taking highly touted Alabama standouts the past few years to great success. One of them, fellow defensive back Brian Branch, adds a comfort level for Arnold, he said.
“He was at my dinner yesterday, I mean, me and BB, we’ve been talking consistently,” he said. “I’ve always said if I had an opportunity to play with him again. It’s going to be a show.
“I feed off him, he feeds off of me, and BB is a little quieter. I’m more outgoing, so anticipate me to help him come out of his shell a little more.
As an added bonus, he was one of 13 candidates who traveled to Detroit and were met with a warm welcome.
