In the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions made a strategic move by selecting Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold with the No. 24 pick. This decision came after a trade with the Dallas Cowboys, where the Lions exchanged picks 29 and 73 for the Cowboys’ No. 24 selection, along with an additional 2025 seventh-round pick.
Arnold’s journey to the NFL differs from that of his college teammate and fellow cornerback, Kool-Aid McKinstry. While McKinstry earned a starting role early in his college career and became a prominent figure in Nick Saban’s defense for over two years, Arnold followed a more gradual trajectory. After redshirting his freshman year and experiencing a setback with a benching following a loss to Tennessee in 2022, a moment he publicly acknowledged as pivotal this spring, Arnold steadily progressed.
In his final year of college, Arnold emerged as a standout performer, securing a starting position in every game. His impact on the field was evident as he tied for the SEC lead in both passes defended, with 17, and interceptions, totaling 5. This remarkable season solidified Arnold’s status as a first-round prospect, showcasing his talent, resilience, and growth throughout his collegiate career.
The Lions’ decision to select Arnold demonstrates their confidence in his abilities and potential to make a significant contribution to their defense. As Arnold transitions to the professional level, he carries with him the lessons learned and the determination that propelled him from a gradual start to a first-round draft pick, poised to leave his mark in the NFL.
