Holmes Was The Best In The NFL 2024 Draft With Six Players And Nick Saban’s Best Player.
The Detroit Lions, under the guidance of General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell, have strategically bolstered their secondary this offseason, directly addressing their pressing need for cornerbacks.
Their aggressive moves in the draft and trades underscore a clear and focused strategy to enhance their roster, which is already regarded as robust.
Over the draft weekend, the Lions made a bold move by trading up to select Alabama’s Terrion Arnold, a highly regarded prospect known for his athleticism and playmaking abilities. They complemented this selection by picking Ennis Rakestraw Jr. from Missouri at No. 61. Rakestraw, known for his toughness and coverage skills, adds depth and potential to the Lions’ cornerback room.
These draft picks are a testament to Detroit’s commitment to addressing their needs effectively and building a competitive team.
An interesting aspect of the Lions’ recent drafts is their selection of players who are not only talented but also come highly recommended by one of college football’s most respected figures, Nick Saban.
For two consecutive years, the Lions have drafted a player considered to be Saban’s favorite on the board: Brian Branch last year and Terrion Arnold this year. Both players developed under Saban at Alabama, a program renowned for its rigorous coaching and producing NFL-ready talent.
OL Giovanni Manu, University of British Columbia
This was the biggest head-scratching pick of the Lions’ entire draft for me.
There’s no doubt that Manu, standing in at 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds, is gifted with some great intangibles. For instance, he possesses an uncanny degree of speed for a man of his size, having posted a 4.96 40-yard dash at his pro day.
RB Sione Vaki, Utah
I love the fact that Vaki – Detroit’s second selection in the fourth round (No. 132 overall) – is an ultra versatile player. He can line up at multiple positions (running back and safety) and also play on special teams.
However, I’m not in love with the fact that Detroit intends on primarily – potentially even exclusively – using him on the offensive side of the ball in 2024.
Don’t get me wrong, Vaki showcased that he could be a productive running back during his time at Utah. In 2023, he amassed 42 carries for 317 yards and two touchdowns, and also caught 11 balls for 203 yards and three scores. Meanwhile, for his offensive efforts last season, he received a 94.0 Pro Football Focus grade.