Lions News

[El Axe]

This was an awesome press conference -- he answered all the questions I had about this odd day 3 draft. I feel 100% better about what they did.

[whatever_gong82]

[El Axe]

At this point, I think the Lions need to go back to the FA pool of receivers and pick up at least one. I got this list from google, so I'm not sure how accurate it is

https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/analysis/nfl-free-agents-best-available-players/

Best Remaining Wide Receiver Free Agents, 2024:

• Tyler Boyd
• Odell Beckham Jr.
• Michael Thomas
• Hunter Renfrow
• Mecole Hardman
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling
• Michael Gallup
• Corey Davis
• Julio Jones
• D.J. Chark
• Russell Gage
• Allen Robinson
• Alex Erickson
• Lynn Bowden
• Scotty Miller
• Jalen Guyton
• Randall Cobb
• Chase Claypool
• Sterling Shepard
• Robbie Chosen
• Richie James
• Jakeem Grant

The name that jumps out at me is DJ Chark.

[El Axe]

B077 did a full write-up of the Lions draft. Really good content

https://old.reddit.com/r/detroitlions/comments/1cev71p/bo77_detroit_lions_2024_draft_review/

Another year, another excellent draft from the Lions, led by general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. We're going to dive in and break these picks down!

Round 1, Pick #24 (via DAL) - CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama

WEIGHT	189	HAND SIZE	8.875
40-YARD DASH	4.50	OVERALL RAS	9.27
BEST RAS	3-Cone (96th)	WORST RAS	Weight (59th)

Summary: Death. Taxes. Brad Holmes trading around the board for Alabama players. As some of us predicted, the Lions moved up for Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold, a really promising man cover corner who has a very smooth process in press. Detroit traded up with the Cowboys, sending a third-rounder for him, but with Arnold being a flawless fit in the Lions scheme, a top position need, and probably the top cornerback on the Lions board, it was a bit of a no brainer.

I've had Arnold pegged as a Lions fit for awhile now, pretty much anyone who has watched the film has also had that one pegged too given how clean the fit is. I even went so far as to say this a full week before the Draft:

Specifically, I do think Terrion Arnold is probably the most likely guy the Lions would go up for. As we all know, Brad Holmes is very connected with Alabama and Nick Saban. Arnold has a great relationship with the Saban family overall, and I know he's gotten some excellent reviews from his former head coach as teams have called and asked their opinion on him. Saban's definitely noted that few players take coaching and attention better than Arnold, and I think his fit in man press, his demeanor, and the versatility he brings (boundary, field, slot all options for him), mean that he's probably their top move up target. And I'll go one step further, I would heavily watch the Broncos at #12, Saints at #14, and Seahawks at #16 are all right in front of cornerback needy teams. For me, if the Raiders pass on Arnold at #13, I'd try to move up for him. My sneaking suspicion however, is that if the Chargers do move down from 5th to 11th, their pick is either Taliese Fuaga or Terrion Arnold. Jim Harbaugh thought Arnold was a special player during Michigan's bowl prep to face the Tide.

Now obviously I was wrong about how far up the Lions needed to go, but very clear that Arnold is an elite fit for the Detroit Lions.

Strengths:

• Excellent route recognition and awareness, allowing him to make consistently sharp breaks on the football. Really high IQ player.
• Plays with good balance and leverage, particularly in press coverage. Knows how to get in position.
• Communicates and commands the secondary quite well. High remarks from Bama coaches there.
• Good, fluid hips that open and carry receivers smoothly. Burst and closing speed is quite high.
• Special teams usage in college and positional versatility between outside and slot cornerback.
• Elite production to pair with traits - 17 pass break-ups and 5 interceptions in 2023.

Why He Didn't Go Higher:

• Top speed isn't anything special, both on film and testing (4.50 forty-yard dash, 70th percentile)
• Can be a bit grabby/too physical in some situations, at risk of pass interference penalties.
• High pad level when not in press coverage. Inconsistent breaks in zone as a result.

Role as a Rookie: Arnold is a very polished player, and one I anticipate should be able to get onto the field fairly early. Amik Robertson is going to be the starter to begin with at the field corner spot, as corner is a little bit more difficult to adjust to as a rookie. However, Arnold already being a pretty high floor player, plus playing in CFB's most advanced defensive scheme under Nick Saban (well, maybe second behind Minter's this past year), Arnold can be expected to be a bit ahead of the bell curve. While saying he'll start early is a bit of a stretch, I do think that he could be worked into a rotation early, maybe see some nickel snaps too in some match-ups, but maybe could actually step into a starting role by the end of the season if things go well.

Long-Term Outlook: While he'll start off as a CB2 type at field corner with Carlton Davis at boundary, Arnold could become the long-term CB1 and leader of the cornerback room in Detroit, particularly if Detroit doesn't extend Carlton Davis after next season. He's a very high end talent with decent potential and upside to continue developing into a lockdown player. Reminds me a lot of Dallas' Trevon Diggs as far as similar play-styles go, as an energetic, explosive but not burning fast cornerback with excellent ball production.

Media Evaluations:

PFF Big Board	14th overall	Dane Brugler's The Beast	10th overall
Bleacher Report Board	11th overall	Daniel Jeremiah's Top-150 Board	9th overall
The Draft Network's Board	23rd overall	ESPN's Big Board	11th overall

Who Would Bo77 Have Picked? I'll answer in two parts, first, had I been orchestrating the same trade up as Holmes, then yes, Arnold would have been the pick there for me as well. Total agreement there. Had I been the GM, and no trade up was on the docket, I would have gone with Illinois DT Johnny Newton at 29 if Arnold hadn't slipped there, which is probably a fair assumption with Detroit moving up to go get him.

Pick Grade That'll Make Me Look Stupid in Three Years: A. Holding off on an A+ because the Lions did, by pretty much every value chart out there (old and modern ones) overpay. But the reality is the Lions made that deal because Terrion Arnold is such a crazy strong fit for Detroit. He's a perfect prospect for what they are looking for at the position, and should be able to reach his ceiling in the Lions current environment. Fantastic move by Brad Holmes, and I love his conviction to go up and get a player he thinks is a difference maker. A lot of folks are team trade down, I remain firmly team trade up, especially when you have someone with as strong a record as a drafter and evaluator as Holmes is. Terrion Arnold is going to be an excellent addition to the Lions defense.

----- Round 2, Pick #61 - CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri

WEIGHT	183	HAND SIZE	8.5
40-YARD DASH	4.51*	OVERALL RAS	6.17
BEST RAS	10-Yard Split (90th)	WORST RAS	Weight (30th)

Summary: Folks, Brad Holmes is cooking! Well, I am biased as Rakestraw was the dude I would've taken at 29th overall if it were up to me. I've been on the Rakestraw train for awhile now, saying over two weeks ago that Rakestraw was my top choice there, and more recently that, on film evaluations, that none was a better fit for the Lions defense than Rakestraw. Here's my summary on him from another post I did on the cornerback options for Detroit later in the first:

Rakestraw at this point is my top choice for the Lions with the 29th pick now that they've covered immediate needs at guard. For those who loved Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon last year, take a guess at who Rick Spielman, brother of Lions advisor Chris, compares Rakestraw to in his interview with him? You nailed it. Devon Witherspoon. And honestly, I think the comparison is quite apt. Both are firery cornerbacks who play with elite burst, fluidity, and physicality. He's a near flawless fit for the field cornerback role, combining the best of what the Lions want in both the fluidity and coverage ability, plus the ability to attack receivers with physicality at the line of scrimmage.

The other thing I loved about Rakestraw's game is that he stepped up in big time matchups. His best game this past season came against LSU, which boasts two first-round picks at wide receiver in that matchup. He's fearless and really a nicely polished player. However, he's not without issue or concern, evident by the reality that Detroit would be picking him 29th, not first or anything like that. Those are that he's too handsy at times, and is also a bit of a face guarder, meaning some early PI penalties are going to come his way, and I think there's some concern over his slighter frame and physical style, but injuries remain hard to project.

From an X's and O's standpoint, Rakestraw's the best fit scheme wise of any prospect I have scouted to this point. He's physical and fluid in press coverage up top, and even when dropping into Cover 3 (the Lions most common coverage), he's got very good eyes, and trusts his instincts. He shows good range there as well, able to cover large swaths of his side of the field and carry receivers deep. I think he is best bet of this crew to become a Detroit Lion, and I have him currently as the 13th best player in this class. Again, feel free to take things with a grain of salt, my natural position is OL so CB is a different world in many ways. But I am beyond sold on Ennis Rakestraw.

Holmes would also later mention in his Day 2 Press Conference that Arnold and Rakestraw "were our top two ranked corners", which is a heck of an endorsement there.

Strengths: Please simply read the excerpt from above, or the full scouting report I did on him earlier, that concludes with "I am beyond sold on Ennis Rakestraw."

Why He Didn't Go Higher:

• Lean frame paired with some injuries in his past make for a questionable bill of longevity to hold up over a full 17-game season regularly.
• Combine testing was somewhat lackluster, but as the asterisk on the box above indicates, Rakestraw was testing while injured and so the numbers are a smidge misleading. Speed on film looks more quick than fast however, which is in line.

Role as a Rookie: You can kind of copy over what I wrote for Arnold, as Rakestraw projects as a versatile field or slot cornerback. Right now, I think the Lions are going to mainly use him on special teams and then he can compete for snaps in the slot, which is probably the highest upside spot for him. Some will say we have Branch there, which is true, but right now, Branch is definitely more needed at safety given the lack of depth there without him.

Long-Term Outlook: With Arnold and Rakestraw Jr. drafted as a promising one-two punch, the future outlook is that those two are going to be the main players the Lions are building their cornerback room around. Carlton Davis is on an expiring deal, a free agent next spring, so I do think it now becomes a legitimate possibility that he walks after this season, though I'd love to see a long-term fit of Davis in the boundary, Arnold to the field, and then Rake in the slot.

Media Evaluations:

PFF Big Board	46th overall	Dane Brugler's The Beast	49th overall
Bleacher Report Board	97th overall	Daniel Jeremiah's Top-150 Board	32nd overall
The Draft Network's Board	27th overall	ESPN's Big Board	36th overall

Who Would Bo77 Have Picked? Same, and with not a single wasted to turn the card in. Rakestraw was my #16 overall prospect in this class and a perfect scheme fit for the Lions.

Pick Grade That'll Make Me Look Stupid in Three Years: A-. Rakestraw is another flawless fit at a position Detroit is clearly aiming to revamp, but the minus comes from the fact that the Lions doubled up at corner rather than dip into a very strong guard market which was also a need. Don't read that as a complaint however, Rakestraw is a stud.

[El Axe]

----- Round 4, Pick #126 (via NYJ) - OT Giovanni Manu, British Columbia

WEIGHT	352	HAND SIZE	10.5
40-YARD DASH	5.06 (official)	OVERALL RAS	8.83
BEST RAS	Vertical (97th)	WORST RAS	3-Cone (12th)

Summary: The Lions pulled off one that I'll even admit was a bit of a stunner, dealing a future third-round pick to the Jets to move up and grab Giovanni Manu, a monstrous standing tackle who is quite raw but very intriguing. The Lions are clearly banking on the developmental caliber of OL coach Hank Fraley to develop Manu, with the goal being a similar result to how the Eagles turned left tackle Jordan Mailata from a seventh-round pick into one of the highest-paid tackles in the league. The scouting and film available on Manu is more limited (partly why I never actually ended up evaluating him as a "fit"), so we're going off some stuff read second-hand and briefly ascertained from a two-minute highlight video.

Strengths:

• Very powerful and explosive out of his stance. Highlights are filled with pancake blocks as a result of Manu's devastating power being too much.
• The athleticism at 6-7, 350 pounds is quite significant. The upside, as a result, is quite high once he gets some coaching.
• Powerful hands and excellent grip is another one of those traits that scream high upside for tackles. Knocks guys off balance very consistently when he makes contact.
• Good feel in space to both climb and hit linebackers but also pull out on screens and such. Very natural mover overall.

Why He Didn't Go Higher:

• Very raw player who struggles with consistent footwork. Base gets very narrow and his run blocking footwork has a good deal of false steps and wasted movement. Footwork in pass protection is also inconsistent and needing work.
• Hand timing and placement in protection is a bit of a mess. Needs to clean up the timing of those if he's going to stick as an NFL offensive tackle anytime soon.
• Struggles breaking down the hands of edge rushers, and can let rushers get into his chest a bit too much.

Role as a Rookie: You might be able to get Manu out on the field as a jumbo TE type, the same way the Lions have done with reserves Dan Skipper and Matt Nelson lately, but otherwise the role is that he sits behind Taylor Decker and takes some time developing. He needs some work, so spending the 2024 season with a developmental focus will pay dividends.

Long-Term Outlook: Some might be tempted to say he could develop in 2024 and replace Taylor Decker in 2025 (Decker's on an expiring deal), but I have significant doubts about that, as I do not think Manu is a year away, but rather two, maybe even three years away from being ready to take on a starting role. While I think you can make the case that Manu is probably a bit further ahead of Mailata as a starting point as Manu has actually played significant(ish) organized football, it's still a good reminder that it took about two-and-a-half years for Mailata to step in and be ready. I think what's more likely is the Lions aim to ink Decker to an additional three-year extension, and aim for Manu as a potential starter in 2026-2027 timeframe.

Media Evaluations:

PFF Big Board	- - -	Dane Brugler's The Beast	31st ranked OT
Bleacher Report Board	- - -	Daniel Jeremiah's Top-150 Board	- - -
The Draft Network's Board	- - -	ESPN's Big Board	282nd overall

Who Would Bo77 Have Picked? Again, trade up's are hard to thoroughly suggest who I'd have taken because I may not necessarily have wanted to go up in the first place. However, had I been making the pick off the trade I would have selected Boston College G Christian Mahogany for the Lions in that slot, which is, uh, well let's just say "lol" and note that Brad Holmes is smarter than me.

Pick Grade That'll Make Me Look Stupid in Three Years: B-. Think that's another pretty rough trade to make in terms of value. Holmes clearly doesn't care and it's fine, he's earned enough trust to not have people harping on him all the time for that. But overall, I go with a B-, which is to say I like it, but it's just barely lands in what I'd describe as good. The Lions have a good infrastructure and developmental culture in place for Manu to become the best version of himself, which is a pretty high-end NFL starter, but they traded fairly heavily from the future to get him and he's a significant project that I am unsure will be "ready" for at least two seasons.


---- Round 4, Pick #132 - RB/S Sione Vaki, Utah

WEIGHT	210	HAND SIZE	8.625
40-YARD DASH	4.62	OVERALL RAS	7.94
BEST RAS	Vertical (96th)	WORST RAS	Height (35th)

Summary: The Lions moved on up once again, dealing away their third- and fourth-round picks next year for the new fourth-round duo of Sione Vaki and Giovanni Manu. Vaki is a true versatile player, an explosive, downhill safety who has shown some excellent flashes in coverage, and can play any of the three main safety roles Detroit needs. While I did have Air Force safety Trey Taylor as my most likely safety to land with Detroit, I still ultimately went with Vaki as my day of prediction for the Lions. Was clear he was a top fit for them, and mentioned that awhile back here as well. The interesting piece though is that he was announced as a running back, a role he played occasionally at Utah as well, carrying the ball 42 times for 317 yards and some touchdowns. For now, I am going to operate as Vaki has indicated, with him as a running back, but the notes touch on him in both ways.

Strengths:

• Thick, well-built enforcer type of body, and it allows him to play with aggression and physicality, particularly when he's triggering downhill. Can hit dudes.
• Great feel for navigating traffic. Reads and diagnoses the play well, has a good nose for the football in the run game, and sees concepts developing in front of him in coverage.
• Again, dynamic offensive presence as well, racking up 53 touches for 520 yards and 5 touchdowns for Utah last season. Can use him very creatively.
• As a running back, Vaki is quite explosive off his cuts, has some good speed to spring big plays, and runs very hard.
• Also played some quarterback at various stops, so could see some fun trick plays in the works there.

Why He Didn't Go Higher:

• He's definitely much better coming downhill than playing deep. Lacks the range and instincts needed to be a true free safety at the next level.
• Man coverage abilities are developing, but somewhat inconsistent. Can get shook off a receiver when his focus drops.
• Gets a bit too physical at times in coverage and had several reps where he's probably fortunate the throw wasn't towards him else he'd have picked up a pass interference call.

Role as a Rookie: From the standpoint of Vaki as a running back, his role is likely as RB3, though competing with Craig Reynolds for that role likely remains a thing. While the Lions do lean on their 1-2 punch of Montgomery and Gibbs, they did almost 50 touches throughout the year to Reynolds and then some designed touches for Raymond and Jamo. That's a similar role that Vaki could play right away this fall, and he'll also likely end up as a core special teamer.

Long-Term Outlook: Now my loose prediction here is he ultimately gets shifted around and will end up playing some safety for Detroit, but the long-term outlook is that he could theoretically step into a bigger role in a season or two, depending on the health and longevity of David Montgomery. RB is a short shelf life position, so honestly I do not think Montgomery is here beyond the next two years of his contract. But for Vaki, think he's going to find his long-term role as a versatile depth player, spelling on both sides of the ball as needed and being a key special teamer.

Media Evaluations:

PFF Big Board	124th overall (S)	Dane Brugler's The Beast	18th ranked safety
Bleacher Report Board	207th overall (S)	Daniel Jeremiah's Top-150 Board	149th (RB)
The Draft Network's Board	- - -	ESPN's Big Board	247th overall (S)

Who Would Bo77 Have Picked? And again, hard to say I would've moved up, but would have gone with Florida State tight end/fullback Jaheim Bell there. Think he would've been a really fun gadget piece to use in a fullback-oriented role. Hard nosed player with explosiveness and good feel as a runner. Nice weapon for the Lions, even if not a wide receiver.

Pick Grade That'll Make Me Look Stupid in Three Years: A-. Really like this one and am quite fine with the trade up. While Vaki is not the player I would've picked, and we still don't really know too well how he'll fit in (positionally), he's a high energy, versatile player with immense special teams value right away, and the athleticism and explosiveness to be a quality player for a genuinely good Utah team on two different sides of the ball. I have little issue with the idea that Vaki is going to find a way to become a useful player. He's that kind of dude, and again, his fit is as a high-level reserve who can be used as a fun gadget weapon on offense, maybe grow into a bigger role there, maybe grow into a rotational role as a safety if need be, or simply be an elite special teams asset in the same way that Jalen Reeves-Maybin has been.

---- Round 6, Pick #189 - DT Mekhi Wingo, LSU

WEIGHT	284	HAND SIZE	9.25
40-YARD DASH	4.85	OVERALL RAS	8.78
BEST RAS	10-Yard Split (98th)	WORST RAS	Height (1st)

Summary: The Lions once again moved up, and once again, it was for a prospect previously identified as a Lions fit, in LSU's Mekhi Wingo. An undersized rusher who tallied 7.5 sacks for the Tigers the last two seasons, Wingo was a clear-cut fit for the Lions due to his explosive play style inside (Holmes' preference for DT position) and elite athleticism to pair with it. Detroit was unable to do much in terms of true edge rushing help, but may have found some useful pass rushing assistance in Wingo, who excels at it from the inside.

Strengths:

• Quick and disruptive with a fast first step that gains group quickly and helps him shoot gaps before the OL can thoroughly get ahold of him.
• Decent upper body strength to hold his own despite being a good deal undersized. Not freaky strong or anything, but has enough power in his hands to wreck havoc.
• Quality array of rush moves already. Uses some rips, and swipes with his hands to knock away the hands of guards, also a good interior chop move as well.
• Can play laterally down the line with good agility there. Burst is quick so allows him to find tackles at the line of scrimmage at a respectable clip.

Why He Didn't Go Higher:

• The lack of length, power and bulk make him an unlikely candidate to really ever grow into a full-time player who can handle power and double teams coming at him. Can get overwhelmed there.
• Arm length isn't great, and so he needs to learn to be quicker, more of an initiator with the timing of his punch/hands than he currently demonstrates.
• Shed technique against the run is inconsistent, and he gets himself into trouble against longer guards who can get their hands on him first.

Role as a Rookie: Wingo is more of a true three-technique than anything else, but can play as a slashing 4i/5T in some 3-4 looks, so a versatile player overall. Early on, I think the expectation is that Wingo comes in and competes with Levi Onwuzurike for the DT2 spot behind Alim McNeill. And either way, Wingo could be someone who features early on in rush packages if the Lions think he's ready to go so soon. I'd keep expectations tempered overall, as sixth-round picks usually don't make much impact early on, but that's a way Wingo could if he's up to the challenge.

Long-Term Outlook: Given that his main competition is perhaps the only significant "bust" that Brad Holmes has drafted thus far, Levi Onwuzurike (former 2021 second-rounder), the important thing to note is that Onwuzurike's contract expires following this season, thus the long-term outlook is that Wingo might ultimately develop into the second-string 3-technique/interior rusher on subpackages behind Alim McNeil.

Media Evaluations:

PFF Big Board	- - - *	Dane Brugler's The Beast	9th ranked DT
Bleacher Report Board	136th overall	Daniel Jeremiah's Top-150 Board	116th overall
The Draft Network's Board	- - -	ESPN's Big Board	88th overall

*- PFF changed their big board to 2025 class immediately after the Draft, so I cannot find the ranking for Wingo or Mahogany, unfortunately.

Who Would Bo77 Have Picked? I genuinely liked Wingo and think he's a quality player, but he would've been the second-highest DT still on my proverbial board there as I would have chosen Mississippi State's Jaden Crumedy there. He ultimately went eleven picks later to the Carolina Panthers.

Pick Grade That'll Make Me Look Stupid in Three Years: A. No complaints at all. Wingo was a high level fit, a player who has a clear route to contributing as a sixth-round pick, and a high value there relative to media projections. Really don't see a single complaint to be had for this pick. A for Mekhi Wingo to the Lions.

[El Axe]

----- Round 6, Pick #210 - G Christian Mahogany, Boston College

WEIGHT	314	HAND SIZE	10.5
40-YARD DASH	5.13	OVERALL RAS	9.63
BEST RAS	Vertical (96th)	WORST RAS	Height (43rd)

Summary: While I would have taken Mahogany in the fourth-round, he did slide a bit, but ultimately it worked out quite well as he's another player who was identified as a pre-draft fit for the Lions. Mahogany is a burly guard, who started 34 games for the Golden Eagles, and even split those snaps between left and right guard.

Strengths:

• Very powerful at the point of attack, Mahogany has excellent strength, and is able to easily uproot and displace defensive linemen in front of him.
• Strong, heavy hands that add to his overall power and strength. Really helps him stone bull rushers at the top of the pocket with good contact.
• Plays with an aggressive, finishing demeanor, always looking to find someone to pile drive into the turf. Love to watch him go after dudes.
• Anchors well against the rush. Keeps a sufficiently wide base and is able to hold his balance in those situations quite well.

Why He Didn't Go Higher:

• He has some of the vintage recklessness that some might recall from Logan Stenberg, a "finish at all costs" mentality that often does actually cost him sometimes. He's overaggressive to a fault at times.
• His footwork is sloppy, with too inconsistent placement on his gap scheme down blocks and not enough width or depth gained with his zone reaches.
• Not terribly agile side-to-side, thus will probably have some challenges with quicker rushers coming from the 3-techniques he'll face.

Role as a Rookie: While Mahogany was the highest graded I had of the Lions current interior backups (Kayode Awosika and Colby Sorsdal), the one thing I do need to now reconsider is that he did slide to the sixth-round, which technically puts him behind Sorsdal in terms of draft status, and a year behind. Short to say, he's simply going to be expected to compete with Sorsdal (RG) and Awosika (LG) for a backup role at guard. I do think he might be able to slide in and play some center, but with Graham Glasgow in town, the Lions don't necessarily need that.

Long-Term Outlook: Pretty simply, if Mahogany beats out Sorsdal at the right guard spot, then the winner of that battle is likely looking at a shot at starting in 2025 for the Lions with Kevin Zeitler just signing a one-year deal. My prediction is that Zeitler will retire following this season's Super Bowl win, and thus the long-term outlook is that he has a decent shot at becoming a starting guard in a year or two if he progresses.

Media Evaluations:

PFF Big Board	- - -*	Dane Brugler's The Beast	7th ranked guard
Bleacher Report Board	65th overall	Daniel Jeremiah's Top-150 Board	- - -
The Draft Network's Board	- - -	ESPN's Big Board	141st overall

*- see note on this section above

Who Would Bo77 Have Picked? Given that I had already proverbial drafted Mahogany in the fourth, I definitely need someone else. I would have gone with Michigan WR Cornelius Johnson, an under-the-radar talent who was hidden in the Wolverines run-first scheme, but offers good upside as an X-WR.

Pick Grade That'll Make Me Look Stupid in Three Years: A, pretty much the same thing as the Wingo write-up. Excellent fit, clear path to contributing, and a pretty strong value overall. Love the add here.

The ole Bo77 vs. Brad Holmes Breakdown

Not terribly exciting this year due to a high degree of agreement with the first two picks and then Mahogany as well, though different valuations. Probably the biggest true "who is a better scout" contest from this one comes down to Jaden Crumedy vs. Mekhi Wingo.

1.24	CB Terrion Arnold	CB Terrion Arnold
2.61	CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.	CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
4.126	G Christian Mahogany	OT Giovanni Manu
4.132	TE Jaheim Bell	S Sione Vaki
6.189	DT Jaden Crumedy	DT Mekhi Wingo
6.210	WR Cornelius Johnson	G Christian Mahogany

OVERALL DRAFT CLASS THOUGHTS

First off, not to toot my own horn too much, but 5 of the 6 prospects here were identified pre-Draft as Fits for Detroit. This is because this is a genuinely quality and battle-tested way to evaluate the Lions draft options. Glad folks took notice!

Pretty fun and interesting crew. I am ecstatic about the doubling up of top cornerbacks in Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. The rest of the class probably fits the description of not the moves I'd have made, but plenty of upside, potential and good fits in there to see it paying off down the road. I like a majority of it, and probably the only unfortunate piece is walking away down a third- and fourth-round pick next season, as I do like seeing Holmes have more opportunities to cook. Overall, excited about this class and the way they can inject some immediate help to a position of need at cornerback, and bring some fun developmental and creative impacts both now and in the years to come throughout the rest of the class. Go Lions!

[whatever_gong82]

Paywall NFL Draft respective from yesterday's The Athletic.

2024 NFL Draft held in Detroit.jpg

Lions 2024 NFL Draft takeaways: New picks bolster roster with Super Bowl aspirations


By Colton Pouncy
5h ago



The 2024 NFL Draft has come to an end, after a record crowd of 775,000 people flocked to Detroit to take in the festivities. An incredible weekend for the city. Perhaps for its NFL franchise, too.

“I know it wasn’t just Lions fans, but, look — to set the NFL record for attendance for the draft site … I’ve said all along that we have the best fans in the world,” Lions GM Brad Holmes said. “The anticipation of having the draft here just meant so much. We talked about it, just being able to let the world and the NFL world get a taste of what Detroit’s about and what this culture is about. Great for our city, great for our franchise. … That’s about as impressive as it gets.”



Over at the team headquarters in Allen Park, Mich., the Lions were wheeling and dealing, landing players they love, welcoming in the next wave of prospects to a roster they believe can contend for a Super Bowl.

Let’s recap the weekend that was, and how the new additions fit in to the bigger picture.


Final list of 2024 Detroit Lions NFL Draft picks.jpg


Best value pick

Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College


You could go a few different directions with this one, which speaks to how the draft played out for the Lions. Cornerback Terrion Arnold was the No. 10 prospect on Dane Brugler’s big board, but the Lions were able to get him at No. 24 after trading up. Holmes said Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was his No. 2 corner, and that he considered trading up for him. He even said he thought there was a chance he could go in the first round. And the Lions were able to land LSU defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo, a small but quick three-technique who can provide some pass-rush juice from the interior, at No. 189. He was ranked 95th on the big board.

There’s an argument for about four players here. That said, I’ll go with Mahogany. Brugler ranked him 99th overall — a third-/fourth-round grade. The Lions were able to get him at No. 210 in the sixth, when most projections had him coming off the board somewhere in the fourth round. Mahogany was a three-year starter for Boston College. Ahead of his final season, he had NIL opportunities to leave, but chose to stay. He’s a two-time team captain who plays with a mean streak. If he’s as good as advertised, he could be in the mix to take over as a starter in 2025, if Kevin Zeitler departs in free agency.



Here’s Brugler’s description of his game: “He plays like a bouncer outside of a club, looking to bash heads with power and forceful hands. He projects as a guard-versatile NFL starter, ideally suited for a downhill run team.”

If the Lions were able to grab a starting-caliber guard at No. 210, Holmes might be out of breath from all the victory laps he’ll be taking a few years from now.

Most surprising pick

Giovanni Manu, OT, British Columbia


Brugler had a priority free-agent grade on Manu. The NFL seemed higher on him, though, considering he took 11 top-30 visits (and had to squeeze the Lions in for a rare Sunday visit — typically an off day).

The pick itself makes sense. Manu is considered a developmental tackle, and the Lions were in need of depth and future insurance. His arms are 34 3/8-inches long. He ran a sub-5.00 40 time at 6-foot-7, 352 pounds. That is off-the-charts athleticism and length at the tackle position. The only questions are whether he can handle NFL edges, and how long it’ll take to get him ready. Additionally, the Lions had to part ways with a 2025 third-rounder to acquire him. That’s not nothing.

This is very much a wait-and-see pick, but Holmes said he woke up and would’ve felt a gut punch if someone else took Manu. Based on feedback he heard, Manu wouldn’t have lasted much longer, had the Lions not come up for him. If it hits, the team could have an absolute steal and a potential starting tackle down the road. But it’ll be a while until we know what the Lions have.


2024 Detroit Lion draft pick Sione Vaki.jpg

Biggest question mark

Sione Vaki and the Lions had met multiple times during the pre-draft process, and he always felt like a prospect who fits what they’re all about. The Lions gave up a 2025 fourth-rounder for him, among other picks, but he was a player Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell identified as a guy they’d trade up for in this range. Now that they’ve got their guy, the only remaining question is: What position will he play?

Vaki is a rare two-way prospect, playing running back and safety in college. While it seems the majority of folks viewed him as more of a safety, including the Lions initially, Vaki said he had a number of visits with teams that viewed him as a running back. After watching more and more of his tape, Holmes concluded Vaki has untapped potential at running back, and had him meet with Detroit’s offensive coaching staff during his visit. Holmes said the Lions know he can play safety, but he seems way more intrigued with his offensive/special teams potential.



Remaining needs

The Lions don’t have a ton of roster needs, at least among their starters. They did well to address positions of need in free agency, setting themselves to go best-player-available in the draft. You could make a case they could’ve used a receiver, but considering how they felt about Vaki and Manu and the value they got with Wingo and Mahogany, it would’ve been hard to find a spot for one. Edge is also a position the Lions didn’t address this draft, but it wasn’t viewed as a strong class, anyway. Perhaps the team looks into adding a kicker to compete with Michael Badgley.



Post-draft outlook


The Lions are ready for the 2024 season. Their offense remains elite, with running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta, a potential third-year leap from Jameson Williams, an offensive line the team believes improved and a QB in Jared Goff playing some of the best football of his career in Detroit. This unit, with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson back in the mix, should be humming again in 2024.

Defensively, the Lions believe they have a group ready to take the necessary step forward. Their defensive line features Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill and DJ Reader — perhaps the most notable addition of the March free agency period. Recently signed edge Marcus Davenport, if healthy, should provide a quality option for the team opposite Hutchinson, with Josh Paschal and James Houston factoring in. Linebackers Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes are coming off career seasons, and more is expected of second-year talent Jack Campbell. In the secondary, the Lions revamped their cornerback room. They added Carlton Davis III, Amik Robertson, Arnold and Rakestraw. Brian Branch has the flexibility to play nickel or safety. Ballhawk Kerby Joseph, who played through injuries a year ago, is back for his third season, and Ifeatu Melifonwu is hoping to prove his late-season breakout wasn’t a fluke.



Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has never had a defense this talented in Detroit. He’s got the tools to compete now.

If the defense finally comes together, this team could be very good in 2024. On paper, this is a roster that can compete for a Super Bowl.



Colton Pouncy is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Lions. He previously covered Michigan State football and basketball for the company, and covered sports for The Tennessean in Nashville prior to joining The Athletic. Follow Colton on Twitter @colton_pouncy

[jaadam4]

Paywall NFL Draft respective from yesterday's The Athletic.

Most surprising pick

Giovanni Manu, OT, British Columbia

I still think Holmes got played and that 2025 3rd rounder is worth way more but watching this kids tape takes the sting away. The pain he inflicts on these smaller players is hilarious. He plays until the other guy is borderline at the hospital. I can't imagine lining up opposite this gigantic human being.

Swap Mahogany / Mingo's picks with Manu / Vaki and you have a draft order that makes sense. You did it again Brad!

[jaadam4]

Maybe they see this kid as our Daniel Faalele. Granted Faalele played in the NCAA but they're on the same level of prospect. Huge upside if they score.

[chemiclord]

I am a fucking genius when I'm high. I've got great business models. Example. Imagine you need any service - paint job, roofing, auto repair, anything. I've got a group of guys who will do an immaculate job. 10x as better as anyone else. And a fraction of the cost. What's the catch, you ask? No catch. Just... when they're done, they gonna beat you up a little bit. I call it "Beat yo' ass services." You can also opt for a payment plan and they will come out monthly and punch you in the mouth.

Just out of curiosity, you don't happen to sell gift cards on behalf of someone else, do you?

[whatever_gong82]

[froot loops]

Manu might be a developmental pick, but if he finds himself on the active roster (you get an offer extra spot on the active if you carry 8 lineman) he'll be used as the sixth offensive lineman in the role that Skiller and Matt Nelson have been deployed in.

[El Axe]

I still think Holmes got played and that 2025 3rd rounder is worth way more but watching this kids tape takes the sting away. The pain he inflicts on these smaller players is hilarious. He plays until the other guy is borderline at the hospital. I can't imagine lining up opposite this gigantic human being.

Swap Mahogany / Mingo's picks with Manu / Vaki and you have a draft order that makes sense. You did it again Brad!

If this was the draft:
1 - Arnold
2 - Rakestraw
3 - Mahogany
5 - Wingo
6 - Vaki
7 - Manu

It would have looked a lot like many mock drafts and would have been considered not only a great haul, but unrealistic because no way you get Arnold & Rakestraw with those first two picks

edit: You'd have to include that you traded next year's 3rd & 4th, but most of us draft nerds would have taken it in a heartbeat.

edit2: What I'm saying is that I LOVE this draft. A+++

[El Axe]

Lions winning best draft in many publications. This one was done measuring their pics versus the consensus big boards.

https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/analysis/nfl-draft-grades-analysis-draft-capital-2024/

image.png

edit: Here's a tweet with the same data, but in graphic form

[Iron Lion]

Just out of curiosity, you don't happen to sell gift cards on behalf of someone else, do you?

Nah. You gotta get beat up to use Beat yo' Ass services, and non-transferrable.

Gift cards are for my other business model. I'm going to put up bathrooms in areas where it's hard to find a public bathroom, and they're free to use after watching a few ads. Gift cards to skip the ads.

Ads that involve running water or something to drive you crazy when you have to pee will be free to the advertiser and will just be added on top of the mandatory minimum of 2 paid ads.