The Detroit Lions were pleasantly surprised when cornerback Terrion Arnold fell deep enough to make trading up for him in the first round worthwhile. He appears to be a wonderful all-around fit, as seen by his comments to Justin Melo of The Draft Network about why he prefers man coverage to zone coverage.
“I prefer man coverage.” It’s unique to take another man’s willpower away throughout man coverage.”
Arnold adds to a Lions cornerback depth chart that was redesigned this season and was easily ranked by Pro Football Focus as one of the most improved position groupings in the NFL following the draft. His all-around skill set positions him to be an immediate starter who will seldom leave the field as he lines up on the outside or in the slot, assuming the draft capital commitment did not already foreshadow this.
Terrion Arnold makes list of highly-regarded incoming rookies
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report has compiled a list of ten NFL rookies that might be Pro Bowlers or All-Pros in 2024. It is not officially numbered 1-10, but for what it’s worth, Arnold is at the top.
The Detroit Lions selected Terrion Arnold two spots after the Philadelphia picked Quinyon Mitchell, who’s the first cornerback drafted in the 2024 class.”
“Arnold landed in a better spot to launch his career into stardom though.”
“The Lions could immediately start Arnold opposite Carlton Davis. Detroit released cornerback Cameron Sutton after learning about his arrest warrant for domestic battery by strangulation.”
“….despite generating the highest pocket pressure rate (28.2 percent), Detroit ranked 27th in passing yards and passing touchdowns allowed last year……With consistent pressure up front, Arnold may have plenty of opportunities to force turnovers on hurried throws.”
Seven rookies made the Pro Bowl rosters last year, ranging from high draft picks (C.J. Stroud) to those who were lesser-known coming in (Puka Nacua). Arnold will have the sheer opportunity to do so as a rookie this year (i.e. playing time), and he just might get it done.
