DETROIT -- The 2024 NFL draft kicked off Thursday, April 25, in Detroit. The Lions made six of the draft's 257 picks, beginning with the No. 29 selection of the first round.
ESPN provided pick-by-pick analysis of each of the Lions' selections as they were made.
A look at each of Detroit's scheduled selections:
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1: No. 24 (via draft-day trade with Dallas): Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
My take: Detroit needs help in the secondary after releasing veteran cornerback Cam Sutton. Trading up with the Dallas Cowboys to get Arnold should help the team fix some of its struggles. The Lions allowed 34 completions thrown at least 20 yards downfield last season, which tied with the Houston Texans for second-most in the league. Arnold's selection marks the second time the Lions have taken a defensive back in the first round this century. The other was Jeff Okudah at No. 3 in 2020.
Ties to the team to know: The Lions continued their Alabama pipeline under general manager Brad Holmes. This was the third straight year Detroit has taken a Crimson Tide player in the first round. Arnold joins running back Jahmyr Gibbs in 2023 (12th overall), and wide receiver Jameson Williams (12th overall) in 2022. Detroit also selected Alabama defensive back Brian Branch in the second round last year.
What we're hearing about Arnold: "He is a physical player, he's a willing participant in the tackle game," said Lions passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend, a former Alabama standout himself. "You see him play multiple positions. He played outside, he played inside, and he is not afraid."
Round 2: No. 61: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
My take: Detroit again added to its secondary. This is the first time in the common draft era the Lions have taken a DB with each of their first two picks, after trading up to get Arnold at No. 24. Detroit's defense allowed 28 passing TDs last year, which was the sixth worst in the league and marked the fifth straight season they ranked in the bottom 10 in passing TDs allowed. Rakestraw allowed one TD all season but was only targeted on 8% of his coverage snaps.
Is this pick for depth or does it fill a hole?: This pick is definitely to fill a hole. Rakestraw will have an opportunity to compete right away for a key role on a unit that allowed 7.8 yards per pass attempt last season. Only the Bengals (8.1) were worse. Rakestraw allowed 13 completions on 22 attempts this season when targeted, but only five of those attempts were on passes thrown 15 or more yards downfield.
Round 4, No. 126: Giovanni Manu, OT, British Columbia
My take: The Lions traded up to take their first offensive player in the draft with a developmental lineman. Manu measured at 6-foot-7, 352 pounds at his pro day while reportedly running a 5.06-second 40-yard dash, but he is raw. He has basketball experience, is known for his physical power, and he will be a fun project for the Lions to take on, as he adds depth to the O-line.
Round 4: No. 132: Sione Vaki, RB, Utah
My take: The Lions traded up for a third time to take Vaki, as a running back. He probably will see reps on special teams. At Utah, Vaki was a two-way player, seeing time at running back and safety in 2023. He finished with 317 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and opposing QBs had just a 4.8 QBR when targeting him. Detroit is known for its creativity on offense, and he could emerge as a weapon at some point with his two-way ability.
Round 6: No. 189: Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU
My take: In their fourth time trading up, the Lions are bringing in a team captain with 98 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble throughout his college tenure. Once again, the Lions are adding talent to help a defense that struggled at times. His 4.85 in the 40-yard dash at the combine was second-fastest among DTs this year, behind only FSU's Braden Fiske, who led at 4.78.
Round 6, No. 210: Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College
My take: Mahogany was a three-year starter at Boston College. He did not allow a sack and surrendered just one QB pressure in 2023. During the 2021 season, he also did not allow a sack and posted a 0.3% pressure rate, which was the fourth-best among right guards in 2023. He played left guard in 2020 before moving over to the right side. This pick adds depth to the Lions' offensive line.