When the Detroit Lions took cornerback Terrion Arnold at No. 24 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft following a trade up, it was fully expected that the Alabama product would grab a starting role in Year 1.
So far, Arnold looks to be on track to do just that. Not only did he more than hold his own against Lions receivers in offseason practices, he also notched a few picks and saw first-team reps on the boundary opposite Carlton Davis.
In a recent article from ESPN, Arnold received a rave review from Lions beat writer Eric Woodyard, who noted that the rookie has shown the "confidence of a seasoned vet" during his first offseason in the NFL.
How he has fared so far: Arnold has entered his first NFL offseason cycle with the confidence of a seasoned vet and has backed it up with his early play as he fights for a starting role. Arnold displayed his nose for the ball during team drills at mandatory minicamp where he matched up with Lions All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, even getting a pass breakup on Day 2. Arnold also picked off Jared Goff in a late-game situation during OTAs. Lions' teammate Derrick Barnes has already given him a nickname alluding to both his jersey number and ability to freeze out receivers. "You see it now, call him 'Sub Zero,' out there doing what he do," Barnes said of Arnold.
The Lions entered the offseason with cornerback being among their biggest needs to address, and general manager Brad Holmes didn't play around. On top of trading for Davis and drafting Arnold, he also signed Amik Robertson and drafted Ennis Rakestraw, giving Detroit a much better situation to work with.
But Arnold, who has lockdown corner potential, is the one to watch the most, as he could take the Lions' secondary to a different level if he makes an impact in Year 1.
Doing so could lead to Detroit having one of the best cornerbacks rooms in the NFL in 2024, which would be a major boost for a team looking to get over the hump and to a Super Bowl this coming season.
