The 2024 NFL Draft Turns Legendary!
This draft felt very special. As a Bears fan it was super special but I am talking about the whole event. After hearing everyone rave about how Detroit put on one of if the best draft and it showed with over 775,000 people showing up for the three day event which is the most spectators at such an event in NFL history.
So yes, a lot of the headlines were driven by the Bears because they had not only the number one overall pick but also the number nine pick but I thought the Lions did a very good job in their draft process as well. They were in rather unchartered waters since they picked so late in the first round whereas in years past they were top 10 and I think they did a very good job. They had 6 picks in this draft so let’s break them down so Lions fans can get a good look at the new additions of the team!
In the first round the Lions traded up with the Cowboys to select Terrior Arnold, cornerback from Alabama, with the 24th pick. This pick came with some controversy because most fans wanted the team to pick an edge rusher to help take pressure off of Hutchinson so that he isn’t constantly double teamed. What I thought is that this team needed help covering wide receivers. They gave up 34 completions of at least 20 yards which was second most in the league. With the league being such a pass happy league you need solid corners and safeties so this was a huge step in the right direction. Add to that he comes from that amazing Alabama talent pool which the Lions have been taking advantage of here lately.
The secondary was obviously a need because they selected Ennis Rakestraw Jr, a corner from Missouri with the 61st pick. This was the first time in the common draft era the Lions took a defensive back with each of its first two picks. This secondary gave up 28 passing touchdowns last season which was sixth worse in the league. These two guys will not only add talent but also depth to, as I have noted, but talent. Both of these guys have a chance to start week 1 and not look back.
The Lions did not have a third round pick so in round 4 they looked to beef up the offensive line. They selected Giovanni Manu, offensive tackle from British Columbia with the 126th pick. Some would say that this was their reach of the draft. They traded up in order to pick him and some would say that he is a bit of a project but you can’t teach 6-foot-7, 352 lbs. This wasn’t an absolute need but he should fit in this offense rather well. They also selected Sione Vaki, running back from Utah with their second fourth round pick. He is a wild card because he has played both offense and defense and could make an impact on special teams. This team is known for offensive creativity so who knows how MCDC will work him in the mix.
Their final two picks of the draft were both sixth round picks. They took defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo from LSU and Christian Mahogany a guard from Boston College. Mahogany in particular did not allow a sack and only one QB pressure all of last season so they both put a cherry on top of a fantastic Dan Campbell draft. Right before the draft the Lions signed key players to extensions to keep them in Detroit for many years so this team is poised to be even better than last season. Don’t get me wrong, the rest of the division got better as well, but good things are happening for the Lions!