Detroit Lions (Last Year: 12-5)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
A GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: Detroit’s biggest weakness last year was stopping the pass. More talent needs to be added to the secondary. Outside of that, the Lions have some small upgrades to make at receiver, guard, and defensive tackle.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: I asked one high-ranking NFC personnel man whom he thought was the most shocking player to drop in the first round. He told me it was Terrion Arnold, and that his team tried to move up for him, but was beaten to the punch by Detroit. Arnold was an absolute steal at No. 24, and the Lions did well to move up five spots for him. Detroit is on the cusp of winning the Super Bowl, and a dynamic cornerback talent like Arnold could put them over the top.
The Lions weren’t done upgrading their secondary after that. They secured another steal in Ennis Rakestraw at No. 61. Safety Sione Vaki was also added in the fourth frame. Vaki wasn’t a great value like Arnold or Rakestraw, but he may fill a need at safety.
Detroit made two stellar late-round choices, acquiring Mekhi Wingo and Christian Mahogany, both of whom could have been chosen a round or two earlier than they were selected. The only pick I disliked of Detroit’s was Giovanni Manu. While the British Columbia athlete has high upside for the future, he doesn’t exactly fit with Detroit’s goal of trying to win a Super Bowl in the next year or two.
Despite the Manu blunder, the Lions had a terrific draft. They attacked their biggest need with two amazing values, and they found great bargains late on Saturday.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
24. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama – A+ Grade
I bet the Lions were absolutely shocked that Terrion Arnold was still on the board at No. 24. He wasn’t going to last until No. 29, so I like Detroit moving up five spots to land someone who was considered the top cornerback in the draft by some. Detroit desperately needed a cornerback in the wake of Cam Sutton’s arrest, and Arnold seems like an instant upgrade.
61. Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri – A+ Grade
The Lions may not have trouble stopping the pass much longer. I love that they’re attacking cornerback, given how much of a weakness it has been in the past. Ennis Rakestraw provides amazing value because he was discussed as someone who could sneak into the end of the opening round. I’m surprised he lasted this long.
126. Giovanni Manu, OT, British Columbia – MILLEN Grade
Sorry, Lions fans, for giving you a Millen grade, but this isn’t the best selection. Giovanni Manu is a late-round prospect, so had Detroit made this pick a round later, I wouldn’t have minded it. However, surrendering a third-round pick in 2025 to get him is a huge mistake. A huge, kielbasa type of mistake.
132. Sione Vaki, S, Utah – C Grade
I don’t think the Lions needed to trade up for Sione Vaki, who fits the range as a fourth-round prospect. Vaki is just a mediocre prospect, but he does fill a need, as Detroit needed to find more help for the secondary.
189. Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU – A Grade
The Lions will need to put lots of pressure on Jalen Hurts and Brock Purdy in the playoffs, so finding players to do that is crucial. Mekhi Wingo is a small defensive lineman, but he can rush the passer in the interior. I thought there was a chance he could sneak into Day 2, so I love this value.
210. Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College – A+ Grade
Here’s an absolute steal for the Lions, as Christian Mahogany got some third-round consideration. He has some injury stuff from the past, but if he can get over it, he can eventually emerge as a starter. The Lions needed a guard after losing one to free agency.
Season Summary:
The Lions had a Super Bowl appearance in their grasp. They were up 17 against the 49ers in the NFC Championship, but their great season was ruined by a series of mistakes to end the game.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Cornerbacks: Detroit surrendered way too many big plays this past season. An upgrade at cornerback is the team’s greatest need. In fact, two new corners are needed. Traded for Carlton Davis; signed Amik Robertson
- Defensive End: An easy way to improve the pass defense is to find more pass rushers. Aidan Hutchinson is obviously elite, but the Lions could use someone better on the other side. Signed Marcus Davenport
- Defensive Tackle: Alim McNeill is great, but the Lions could also use some help next to him to further improve the pass rush. Signed D.J. Reader
- Wide Receiver: Jameson Williams has been a disappointment thus far. The Lions should add some competition for him.
- Two Guards: The Lions have some interior offensive linemen who are due to hit free agency, so they’ll need to be replaced or re-signed. Signed Kevin Zeitler
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Detroit Lions Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
