In a recent NFL.com ranking, the Detroit Lions’ 2024 NFL Draft class received a less-than-ideal assessment. Ranked 28th out of 32 teams, Detroit earned a C- grade, with only the Chiefs, Bills, Vikings, and Browns rated lower.
Given the team’s veteran-heavy roster, the Lions’ rookies already faced an uphill battle for playing time. Cornerback Terrion Arnold and offensive lineman Christian Mahogany managed to earn meaningful snaps as starters, but others like Sione Vaki, Ennis Rakestraw, and Mekhi Wingo saw their opportunities limited due to injuries, preventing them from having a greater impact.
Giovanni Manu, meanwhile, was inactive all season but remains a developmental project, with the team hopeful he can grow into a reliable offensive lineman in the future.
NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice writes, “Like Philadelphia, Detroit drafted cornerbacks in the first two rounds. Unlike Philadelphia, Detroit didn’t enjoy immediate Super Bowl-winning returns. Ennis Rakestraw Jr.’s season was waylaid by injuries, so it’s hard to judge his actual performance.” Terrion Arnold, however, was a constant, starting nearly every game despite experiencing notable struggles, especially during a penalty-filled opening month.
Filice continued, “Detroit threw this rookie right into the fire and then doused him with gasoline. He didn’t thrive, but he survived, showing progress as the season transpired.” He added that if Arnold retains the confidence he showed on draft night, when he confidently told a roaring crowd, “Y’all got yourself a star,” he could take a major step forward in Year 2.
Arnold’s rookie season saw him lead the league in man-coverage snaps, with former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn not shying away from press coverage despite having two rookie cornerbacks on the roster. Dan Campbell, the head coach, has expressed a desire to continue using man coverage on defense, and with new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard—who was mentored by the Jets’ head coach—this approach seems likely to continue.
Looking ahead to 2025, Mahogany is expected to step into a starting role, and Sheppard will have the chance to build a defense tailored to the needs of the team’s younger players.
Filice summed up the Lions’ draft class, noting, “Beyond those first two picks, Detroit’s most notable returns came via Christian Mahogany (who excelled in a pair of spot starts at guard, one of which came in the postseason) and Sione Vaki (the RB/DB who got the special teamer nod on the PFWA All-Rookie Team).”
As the Lions move forward, there’s potential for growth from their 2024 rookies, with hopes that 2025 will see significant progress.
