Terrion Arnold, a cornerback from Alabama, seemed to be everything the Detroit Lions were looking for.
Despite some of the worst cornerback play in the NFL, the Lions went 12-5 and advanced to the NFC Championship Game, where they led by 17 points at the half.
Detroit proceeded with their revamping of the position by trading up to select Alabama standout Arnold with the No. 24 overall choice, following earlier in the offseason trade for veteran Carlton Davis and signing Amik Robertson as a free agent. The Lions, who were previously ranked No. 29, traded spots with the Dallas Cowboys, moving up five spots in exchange for that pick and a third-round pick (No. 73). In exchange, Detroit obtained a seventh-round pick in 2025.
Arnold’s competitive nature is mostly shaped by his willingness and aptitude to take on challenges.
Toughness and a willingness for harsh physical contact are also major components of the culture that Lions coach Dan Campbell has cultivated among his group of players.
In terms of superior cornerbacks, the NFC North is an excellent place to find them.
The Green Bay Packers’ Jordan Love and his exceptional young receiving corps, the Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson (who is unstoppable no matter who is passing the ball to him), and the Chicago Bears, who are playing better every game, will be the teams the Lions face six times overall this upcoming season. Before acquiring wide receiver Keenan Allen in an offseason trade and selecting wide receiver Rome Adunze out of Washington with the ninth overall choice on Thursday, the Bears already had D.J. Moore on their roster. It was also anticipated that quarterback Caleb Williams would be selected with the first overall pick.
In the last three rounds, the Lions have selected four Alabama players, including Arnold.
In the previous year’s draft, they selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs, another cornerback, Brian Branch, and wide receiver Jamison Williams in 2022. Branch and Gibbs were two of the NFL’s best rookies the previous season, and Williams has developed into a vital member of the offense.
Arnold appears to be a match made in Crimson Tide-tinged football heaven for the Lions.
