The Detroit Lions' 2024 NFL Draft class was widely considered a good one by analysts, as we outlined in our draft grades roundup following the three-day event that saw Detroit come away with six players in total, four of which were taken after trades.
Another example of the praise the Lions have received for their draft haul comes from ESPN's Matt Miller, who ranked the 100 best selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. In all, a whopping five of the Lions' picks made the cut in Miller's rankings, which factor in "value (where a player was drafted vs. where he was ranked pre-draft), scheme fit, how the selection addressed a need, what the prospect brings on the field and whether additional assets were gained or lost in draft-day trades to acquire him."
Topping the list of Lions picks to make the cut was Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold, who Miller ranked as the 10th-best pick. Arnold was drafted at No. 24 overall after a trade up in the first round. Here's Miller's thoughts on that selection:
The Lions may have had the best first two rounds of the draft of any team when you look at the value they got. Arnold, my top cornerback in the class, perfectly personifies the type of feisty, tough player that coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn want. He'll likely be tasked with the team's top CB role, and behind a remade defensive line, he has a chance to post Defensive Rookie of the Year-level numbers.
Not far behind Arnold is Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who comes in at No. 15 after being taken with pick 61 in the second round. Again, Miller's thoughts:
We talked about the Lions' pick of Arnold already, but this one was just as impressive. Rakestraw had late-Round 1 ability, which is where I had him ranked pre-draft. He's tough at the line and feisty with receivers, and he will absolutely pop ball carriers as a tackler. Rakestraw battled a core muscle injury last season but now profiles as an immediate starter at either the slot or an outside cornerback spot. The trio of Rakestraw, Arnold and Carlton Davis III (acquired in a March trade from the Buccaneers) is an offseason haul at the position.
Next up is LSU defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo, who was taken in the sixth round with the 189th selection in the draft after the Lions moved up to snag him, marking their final trade and pick of the draft. He was ranked 59th.
It's fun when teams draft a player who will have a clear mentor on the roster based on play type and physical attributes. That's the case with Wingo and current starter Alim McNeill. The Lions were seeking depth up front and would love a situation with three or four defensive tackles rotating throughout the game. Wingo doesn't have rookie starting potential, but he can be an impact third tackle.
The fourth Lions draft pick to make the cut was was the "dirtbag" himself, Boston College guard Christian Mahogany, who many considered a steal with the No. 210 overall pick in the sixth round. He landed at No. 64.
Detroit lost Jonah Jackson in free agency and very likely found his replacement in the sixth round. I had a future starter grade on Mahogany due to his expertise in the run game. He needs to clean up some footwork issues in pass protection but has an opportunity to learn behind veteran Kevin Zeitler this season before moving into the starting lineup as a sophomore.
Last but not least, we have British Columbia offensive tackle Giovanni Manu, who was taken in the fourth round after yet another trade up. Miller placed Manu at No. 94.
The final ranking on Manu is misleading, as he was given a seventh-round grade that could have ranked him anywhere from No. 275 on down. He's a true developmental prospect, and I love that the Lions are taking the low-risk opportunity to try and build up the next international star at tackle. The positional traits are all there; he just needs time to learn the game.
The only Lions draft pick who didn't make the list was fourth-round pick and safety/running back Sione Vaki. Regardless, the fact that five Lions picks made Miller's list just reinforces the idea that general manager Brad Holmes had himself quite the draft.
