ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions didn’t receive as much depth or playing time from their most recent rookie draft class compared to previous years.
But that’s what happens when a franchise continues to improve and win more games — the window for playing time and spots continues to shrink. Let’s get into a full review of the first season from the most recent draft class and where they are trending ahead of Year 2.
Round 1, Pick 24: CB Terrion Arnold
Terrion Arnold finished third on the defense in terms of snaps played and received a true trial-by-fire rookie season. When he was healthy and available, Arnold was a full-time starter from start to finish, and that’s no easy task.
There were more than a few bumps along the way, with a ton of penalties littering the first half of the season and his aggressive nature biting him a couple of times. But the Lions love Arnold’s aggressiveness and how he plays the position. The first-rounder also cut down on his penalties, showing an improved comfort regarding technique and how the NFL game is officiated.
Eight of Arnold’s 10 penalties came during his first four games, with only two flags thrown his way the rest of the season. The Lions want him to be aggressive and in the face of receivers, so if he can keep that trending in that direction, there is a ton of room for growth.
“But I think all those snaps that he played are going to serve him well going forward,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said after the season ended. “And then you just saw, the waters were a little choppy early, and then you saw the waters kind of calm down, kind of midpoint to later in the season.
“So, very high expectations for him going forward. Again, we all know how he’s wired. He’s wired the right way. He’s long. He’s athletic. He’s got instincts. He’s tough. He’ll tackle, and so all those reps are just going to improve his confidence even more.”
Round 2, Pick 61: CB Ennis Rakestraw
Ennis Rakestraw couldn’t shake the injury bug. He said he was in line for a starting opportunity in Week 2 at nickelback, but then suffered a pre-game injury and never got that close again. Rakestraw worked through ankle injuries in training camp, and then persisting hamstring injuries hampered his first year.
He was limited to only 46 defensive snaps and another 95 on special teams, finishing the year on injured reserve. Depending on what happens with Carlton Davis III in free agency, Rakestraw could be staring down a meaty opportunity when the Lions hit the field again, though.
“One thing, I like my back against the wall and people not having faith in me, people don’t believe in my abilities, it’s just going to give me the fire to do what I always needed to do,” Rakestraw said during locker room cleanout day. “Nothing never came to me easy. Everything always came hard.
“It’s just brought me back to my roots of everybody doubting me, not believing in what the kid from West Dallas can do. I’m just appreciative that they gave me my fire back, and I’ll use it in the offseason. I’ll be better, I promise.”
Round 4, Pick 126: OL Giovanni Manu
Giovanni Manu was a healthy scratch all season. No surprise there, the behemoth out of the University of British Columbia was always viewed as a developmental project. The Lions are set at offensive tackle with Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker. But Dan Skipper is a free agent, and if he lands a deal elsewhere after another solid year, that could open a door for Manu.
“I give credit to the whole coaching staff,” Manu said. “They were just on me, developing me and all that … On the field, Hank (Fraley) was always demanding of me to be physical because of my frame. That showed. That showed halfway through the season, I was able to start moving guys, it was great. It’s just the first steps. It’s going to get better from here.”
Round 4, Pick 132: RB Sione Vaki
Sione Vaki was the second-most utilized draftee this season as a special teamer. The safety-turned-running back appeared in 16 games. Vaki caught a fake punt pass for a first down, was solid and dependable in kick coverage, and added six carries for 14 yards and three catches for 37 yards.
Vaki is so new to running back and showed an impressive ability in the passing game during his first training camp. There is only room to grow, and his natural ability on special teams will extend his leash as he learns the new position.
Round 6, Pick 189: DL Mekhi Wingo
Mekhi Wingo suffered a late-season torn ACL after appearing in 11 games. Wingo was playing a key rotational role and could have come in handy down the stretch with injuries continuing to mount. The Lions love Wingo’s versatility to kick inside or play defensive end, and he was getting more looks as the year progressed.
His injury timeline is one to watch for in the offseason program and training camp. That’s a tough break for someone who looked to be in line for more.
Round 6, Pick 210: OG Christian Mahogany
Christian Mahogany has a ton of positive momentum heading into his first full offseason. He started late in the season on the road against the Chicago Bears and then filled in for Kevin Zeitler in the team’s divisional-round defeat.
Mahogany flashed as a physical mauler in the middle of Detroit’s offensive line. And it wasn’t easy to get to this point, with the sixth-round rookie missing all of training camp and the preseason with mononucleosis. But he came back, worked on his craft in practice, then impressed when his number was called.
He also got a taste of left guard and right guard, filling in once apiece for Graham Glasgow and Zeitler. The latter is a pending free agent, and Glasgow didn’t finish the year on the best note, so Mahogany is one to watch for 2025.
