Who the Detroit Lions Might Have Selected in the NFL Draft’s First Round

Terrion Arnold’s first-round loss surprised the Lions.

John Makarion AGES 2 HOURS AGO
In this narrative:

On draft night, cornerback Terrion Arnold astonished everyone, including the Detroit Lions and the NFL as a whole.

Many people thought going into the draft that, depending on the requirements of the club, the Lions would pursue an offensive lineman, a cornerback, or an EDGE rusher.

Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson was one of the guys Detroit may have chosen if there hadn’t been a glut of offensive players available to begin the draft.

As stated by Sports Illustrated, “It was easy to pivot and get aggressive in going up from No. 29 to No. 24 to land a falling Arnold because Detroit had actually laid groundwork for a trade up—I believe Missouri DE Darius Robinson was the target.”

Since Arnold was still available, Detroit relied on Nick Saban’s endorsement, as NFL Insider Albert Breer clarified.

Because of the mental and physical strain that Saban places on that position and the adaptability that he expects from it, the Lions believe that his deployment as the star at Alabama is a significant indication of his trust and regard, according to Breer. “A few senior employees from Detroit did visit Saban on Arnold, verifying what they had observed. which ultimately made pursuing Arnold when he fell a no-brainer.”

If the selection had gone differently, general manager Brad Holmes revealed that the team may have chosen a different player at a different position.

“I didn’t anticipate Arnold’s attendance,” said Holmes. “We really tried and thought we were going to have to settle for a different player at a different position but still trade up, but really didn’t think he was going to be there calling late teens.”