Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
(First round, No. 24 overall)
- 6-foot
- 189 pounds
- 4.50-second 40-yard dash
- 37-inch vertical
As Arnold fell down the draft board, Holmes couldn't resist getting so close to a top corner and not coming away with him. In doing so, he gave up a third-rounder to move up five spots. Yes, cornerback was the Lions' biggest position of need. But, was it worth giving up a Day 2 pick, instead of "settling" for another talented corner, such as Arnold’s teammate, Kool-Aid McKinstry? That’s a tough call.
As a player, Arnold does so many different things well. There’s a reason many analysts had him as the top cornerback in the entire draft. The first-team All-American led the highly competitive SEC in both interceptions (5) and passes defended. It is important to note that Arnold was also targeted (64) a healthy dose more than most of the other top cornerbacks in the class. Maybe that is because of McKinstry playing on the opposite side, who saw just 36 targets. Overall, Arnold allowed an impressive 49.1 passer rating against in 2023.
More quick than fast, Arnold has fluid hips, and is very sticky on wide receivers. Despite basketball being his first love and being recruited as a safety, his instincts as a corner and ability to read routes are top-notch.
In the run game, he is physical, and he had the highest Pro Football Focus run-defense grade (90.2) of any FBS defensive back in the draft. Arnold also has the versatility to play outside and in the slot.
Perhaps the best football is still ahead of Arnold. Recently turning 21 years old, Arnold has continued to improve every season. Outside of elite top-end speed, Arnold is about as complete a prospect as possible.
Grade: A-
Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
(Second round, No. 61 overall)
- 5-foot-11
- 183 pounds
- 4.51-second 40-yard dash
- 4.38-second short shuttle
Maybe it was a bit of a surprise drafting back-to-back cornerbacks. Considering another corner was the Lions' best player available, though, it never hurts to add youth or depth at a weaker spot on the team.
Before the combine, Rakestraw had some first-round buzz. After average testing with a slender frame, the hype cooled down, and he was solidified more in the range of a second-round selection. Despite his size, he plays much bigger and looks for contact. I don’t think it’s a mistake that Holmes grabbed the top two run-defense-graded cornerbacks in this draft class – Rakestraw finished only behind Arnold in that department.
Rakestraw has more similarities to Arnold, as well. The Missouri product has excellent burst, fluidity, inside-out versatility and route recognition. Neither player has great timed deep speed. Despite impressive 10-yard splits, the "flying 20" – the last 20 yards of a 40-yard dash or usually “top-end” speed – was well below average.
In coverage, Rakestraw can play in multiple schemes. However, his zone-coverage grade of 85.2, compa