In a live feed from the heart of Detroit, I’m reporting on the Detroit Lions’ 2024 rookie class, which had some moments during the season but didn’t quite reach the level of impact seen from general manager Brad Holmes’ earlier, star-studded drafts.
After an impressive NFC Championship game appearance, the Lions found themselves picking later than ever before in the draft, making defense their main focus. The draft was held right here in downtown Detroit, adding a local flair to the proceedings.
However, the lack of substantial contributions from the rookie class contributed to the Lions’ 2024 draft ranking a low 28th out of 32 teams for immediate impact, according to NFL.com.
In their first round, the Lions made a trade to select starting cornerback Terrion Arnold, and they doubled down on the position by grabbing cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round. They followed up with offensive tackle Giovanni Manu and running back Sione Vaki in the third round, both via trades. The draft rounded out with defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo and guard Christian Mahogany in the sixth round.
Arnold stepped into a full-time starting role at outside corner, while Rakestraw was sidelined for most of the season with injuries. Manu spent the entire season on the practice squad, while Vaki contributed on special teams in every game. Wingo was a rotational player on the defensive line before a season-ending knee injury, and Mahogany started a game at left guard and even played right guard in the playoffs.
Despite a historic regular-season record of 15-2, the Lions were knocked out in their first playoff game. They still ranked ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs, who were at 29, and other teams like the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, and Cleveland Browns. In total, NFL.com gave the Lions’ 2024 draft class a grade of C-minus for their rookie year.
“Like Philadelphia, Detroit drafted cornerbacks in the first two rounds. Unlike Philadelphia, Detroit didn’t enjoy immediate Super Bowl-winning returns,” NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice pointed out. He added, “Ennis Rakestraw Jr.’s season was waylaid by injuries, so it’s hard to judge his actual performance. Terrion Arnold, on the other hand, basically started the entire season — and he experienced significant growing pains, particularly in a flag-filled opening month.”
Filice also noted that Arnold, who will turn 22 before next season, could take a “major step forward” in year two, showing progress each month as a rookie. Rakestraw and Mahogany could also be key players for replacing potential free-agent departures, including cornerback Carlton Davis and right guard Kevin Zeitler.
Looking ahead, the Lions will be selecting near the back of the draft again this year, with the event set to take place in Green Bay. Thanks to their 2024 success, the Lions hold seven total picks for 2025, starting with the 28th pick in thhMNe first round.
