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Anne Erickson

2024 NFL Draft Class: Grading the Detroit Lions

By Anne Erickson
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions’ 2024 NFL Draft class is here. So, how did we do? We should be proud, kids. In my opinion, this was a total success. Let’s grade the Detroit Lions’ picks in this year’s draft.

2024 NFL Draft Class: Grading the Detroit Lions’ Picks

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell did a lot of trading up this year, but that’s okay, because looking at the upcoming draft years, the Lions still have a decent amount of early picks. This year, the team had one first-round pick, which was pick 29 in the first round. Although the draft is always important, thankfully, Detroit has been taking on quite a few free agents and resigning players, so the needs weren’t as immediate. We needed a good cornerback, and we got two. That, to me, was the most important piece of the puzzle for the Detroit Lions in the draft.

It’s worth noting that this year’s NFL Draft class was very different for the Detroit Lions than it has been in previous years. This was the first time Holmes and Campbell didn’t have top picks, because the Lions did so well last season. They’re good and making solid picks when they get to look at the top draft players. But, how would Holmes and Campbell do when they are looking at draft picks lower on the tally? I have to say that I wasn’t worried. These guys have earned my trust. Holmes obviously knows what he’s doing when it comes to scouting, and it’s part of what makes him, in my opinion, the best GM in the league right now.

Case in point: In 2023, the Detroit Lions had two first-round picks. They went with Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell. The Gibbs pick was a controversial one. So many analysts and fans thought it was a throwaway pick. But, if you watched the Lions last season, then you know how the story ended. Gibbs had a fantastic season and was a huge part of the success of the team’s offensive line. I questioned the Gibbs picks last year and learned my lesson. Never question Holmes. He knows what he’s doing.

Now, let’s get into the 2024 Detroit Lions NFL draft class. Read on for an analysis of each player, including underrated picks. Also, listen to my interview with Lions quarterback Jared Goff below. I interviewed him at a charity event he held with Jared Jewelry during the NFL Draft week. Reach out to me, too, with your thoughts on the picks.

  • Round one (24): CB Terrion Arnold of Alabama

    It’s pretty unanimous that this was a great pick for the Lions. It’s my favorite pick of the draft. I said going into the draft that we absolutely needed a good cornerback, and a lot of others said the same thing. The Lions gave up a third-round pick to get the 24 pick, going from 29, but it was worth it. Terrion Arnold is solid and will hit the ground running.

  • Round two (61): CB Ennis Rakestraw of Missouri

    Two cornerbacks as the first two picks might seem a bit much, but I think it’s a smart move. Ennis Rakestraw has dealt with some injuries, or else he would have been picked higher. If he can get and stay healthy, he’ll be a huge asset.

  • Round four (126): OT Giovanni Manu of the University of British Columbia

    We traded up to get offensive tackle Giovanni Manu, and that was a bit of a head-scratcher for me. But, I have faith in Holmes and think Manu can help the team. He hasn’t gone up against the toughest teams at the University of British Columbia, so that’s a bit of a concern, but he certainly has some great skills.

  • Round four (132): RB/S Sione Vaki of Utah

    This guy is very versatile. Sione Vaki played safety for most of his time in college, but the Lions might use him as a running back. There’s nothing wrong with being a jack of all trades.

  • Round six (189): DT Mekhi Wingo of LSU

    The Mekhi Wingo pick has been getting raves from across the board. During draft analysis, ESPN analyst Matt Miller said he ranked Wingo as his 94th player in the class and could not believe he was picked way down at 189. That makes him a steal. “Find me a defensive tackle that is more fun to watch in this year’s draft class than Mekhi Wingo,” Miller said. Dane Brugler of The Athletic is also a fan. One of my friends who follows the draft closely also sings Winger’s praises. Sounds like a real solid pick.

  • Round six (210): OG Christian Mahogany of Boston College

    This was another steal. I love this pick. The Lions need guard help, and although they waited until the end to fulfill that need, they got a solid guard in Christian Mahogany. He could have easily gone in the top 150, in my opinion.

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