Lions News: Terrion Arnold ranked top DROY candidate

Terrion Arnold has yet to step foot on the turf of an NFL game and league analysts are dropping his name in the hat to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso ranked the new Detroit Lion as the leading candidate for DROY, citing his clean performance on film and despite a so-so combine.

“A decade ago, he may be considered small for the outside cornerback spot. Not today, with the way receivers — even perimeter ones — around the league are getting smaller and lighter,” he said.

It’s just how well Arnold is needed and fits with Detroit that particularly seals the deal for Trapasso.

“In the 2023 regular season, the Lions finished fourth in defensive pressure rate at 41.6%, and they added butt-kicking nose tackle D.J. Reader to the front along with Marcus Davenport. The Lions are going to disrupt the quarterback. Often. Music to the ears of Arnold, who, alongside former teammate Brian Branch, is going to be a magnet to the football en route to winning Defensive Rookie of the Year,” he writes.

He’s not the only one. Last month, ESPN NFL draft expert Matt Miller also named Arnold as his pick for DROY for largely the same reasons.

“The Lions can get after the quarterback and create opportunities for the defensive backs to make plays. Arnold will reap the benefits of that pass rush with his ball-hawking skills that allowed him to grab five interceptions at Alabama last season,” he said.

And onto the rest of your notes.

• CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr takes a stab at ranking the divisions following the draft and free agency, explaining the NFC North took a giant leap to second place. “The NFC North could compete with the AFC North for the best division. It depends on how the Bears and Vikings progress.”

• Similarly, NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha says the Lions are the fourth-most improved team ahead of the 2024 season. “The Lions haven’t made too many mistakes since GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell arrived three years ago. This offseason just put them one step closer to a championship.”

• Alim McNeill teamed up with clothing brand Kiwiclo for a cool Detroit Grand Prix line. They’ll have a pop up at Hart Plaza from Friday through Sunday.

• I am of the opinion it would take the entire media room to get him off the ground.