How Terrion Arnold fits in with the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions did it again. Another NFL draft, another Alabama player taken in the first round. Really, it goes beyond just Day 1 Two years ago, the Lions traded up to get wide receiver Jameson Williams at No. 12 overall. Then last year, they followed it up by taking a running back, Jahmyr Gibbs, with the same pick before eventually trading up for defensive back Brian Branch on Day 2.

On Thursday night, the Lions made yet another trade to go up and get Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold with the No. 24 pick. So in total, four of Detroit’s nine first or second-round selections have come out of Tuscaloosa over the last three years. The results on Sundays have been noticable, too.

Williams got off to a slow start in his rookie year after tearing his ACL in the national title game, but he started to come on strong down the stretch in 2023. Gibbs and Branch both hit the ground running though, becoming immediate contributors for a franchise that made its first playoff appearance in seven years. Now head coach Dan Campbell and company are hoping to get a similar impact from Arnold.

So far in his playing career, Arnold has done a little bit of everything in the secondary. He was a high school safety turned college corner who also played some Star nickelback for Alabama this past season. The 6-foot, 189-pound DB will play out on the perimeter for the Lions though. That’s mostly due to Branch being solidified as the nickel, but Detroit has done a lot to retool its secondary this offseason.

To start, they traded a 2024 third-round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for former Auburn cornerback Carlton Davis. That move was followed up by signing Amik Robertson, which gave them two starting-caliber options on the outside. Now, they’ve added two more with the additions of Arnold and Missouri corner Ennis Rakestraw, who they took in the second round. In other words, what was once considered a major weakness is now considered a strength.

Where exactly does Arnold fit into the equation though?

Well, a lot will depend on how quickly he can get acclimated to the NFL. If he proves ready to contribute right away, he’s the likely starter opposite Davis. If he needs some time, Detroit is in a good position to give him whatever time he needs with Robertson and Emmanuel Mosley (another experienced NFL corner) on the roster. In other words, he’s in a perfect spot. How much he contributes will depend on his own progress. He won’t be forced into action before he isn’t ready, but there’s also not anyone on the roster good enough to hold him back if he is.

That’s a good situation to be in.

Is it possible that Branch plays more safety this year? Starter Kerby Joseph won’t be available until after training camp due to a hip injury, so Ifeatu Melifonwu is the only starter locked in for the offseason. Maybe you see Branch kick back to safety with either Arnold, Robertson or Rakestraw sliding into the slot. I wouldn’t completely rule that out, but here’s how I have Detroit’s secondary looking in the very early stages after the draft:

The most beneficial aspect of this group is its versatility. Branch can play nickel or safety, and Arnold, Robertson and even Rakestraw can line up as either an outside or inside corner. Davis is an impact player on the perimeter, but this group will eventually be led by the two Alabama boys. Arnold and Branch aren’t the same type of player, but they do share some similarities with the smooth movements, physicality and versatility.

Plus, they’re great locker room guys.

Other “how they fit” articles

OT JC Latham (Tennessee Titans)

EDGE Dallas Turner (Minnesota Vikings)

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