Get to know the Detroit Lions' first round draft pick Terrion Arnold
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Brad Holmes is making it very clear in his final pre-draft press conference that if the Detroit Lions like a guy, they'll go and get him.
The Detroit Lions' general manager did just that Thursday night, moving up five spots in the first round of the NFL Draft to select Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold as their 24th pick overall.
Before joining up with the Crimson Tide, the six-foot-tall Arnold graduated from John Paul II Catholic High School.
He would later be redshirted in 2021, meaning he sat out for a year but attended team practices, according to North Central College.
However, by 2023, the newest Detroit Lion became a first team All-American by the Associated Press with a career high 63 tackles, including 6 1/2 for loss.
Arnold also tied for first in the SEC with five interceptions and 17 passes defended, and one forced fumble.
"Twitchy man-cover corner with outstanding athletic ability and the skill set to bring in ball production at the professional level," NFL officials wrote in Arnold's biography. "Arnold possesses average size but plays with a desired level of aggression and competitiveness in both phases of his job. He’s fast and agile to match up against a variety of receiver flavors on the outside or in the slot."
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There were more than a few analysts who rated the six-foot-tall, 189-pounder as the best cornerback in the entire draft.
In fact, Arnold was ranked as the 13th best overall prospect by CBS Sports.
Selecting the Alabama cornerback was the "perfect combination" of choosing the best player available, while also filling a need, according to Holmes.
Along with Arnold, the Detroit Lions welcomed five other draft picks over the weekend.
They include the following, according to the NFL:
- Missouri DB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (No. 61)
- British Columbia OT Giovanni Manu (No. 126)
- Utah RB Sione Vaki (No. 132)
- LSU DT Mekhi Wingo (No. 189)
- Boston College OG Christian Mahogany (No. 210)