The Detroit Lions traded up with the Dallas Cowboys to acquire the No. 24 overall pick, which they used to select former Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold. Detroit was in the market for a defensive back, especially after the release of Cam Sutton, and they came away with the player who may be the best cornerback in the entire class.
In a secondary that had veterans like Eli Ricks, Brian Branch and others, there was a freshman in Terrion Arnold. The Alabama cornerback made seven starts and was named to the conference's Freshman All-SEC Team. Starting opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry, Arnold made a name for himself this season, catapulting himself into the elite tier of prospects.
In his final season with the Crimson Tide, he registered 63 tackles, 12 pass breakups, 6.5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack and 5 interceptions en route to being named a first-team All-SEC selection.
Below is a comprehensive draft profile for Arnold, including his scouting report, prospect ranking, pro comparison, combine results, college and high school accolades and overall NFL outlook.
NFL Draft grade: B
"The Lions needed some corner help, so it makes sense to make a move to get one. Arnold gives them another Alabama secondary player to go with Brian Branch, another player with versatility." -- Pete Prisco
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Terrion Arnold NFL Draft prospect profile
- Age: 21
- Height: 6-foot
- Weight: 189 pounds
- Arm length: 31 5/8"
CBS prospect ranking
Position: No. 2 CB | Overall: No. 13 | Rating: 92.43 (All-Pro)
NFL comparison
NFL combine results
- 40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds
- Broad jump: 9-foot-3
- Vertical jump: 33"
Scouting report
Terrion Arnold is a boundary cornerback with good size. He has average top-end speed but has little difficulty carrying routes up the boundary. Arnold gets a bit loose in routes transitioning across the field and can do a better job of breaking his feet down in space to make a form tackle. He is a high-energy cornerback who will occasionally lose patience and grab the receiver during routes. Over the past two years, Arnold has tremendous ball production. He is not afraid to play downhill in run support and jam at the line of scrimmage.
Accolades
- 2023: First-team All-American (AP)
- 2023: 5 INT (T-most in SEC)
Strengths
- Not afraid to be physical, jam receivers at the line of scrimmage
- Versatility to play on the boundary or in the slot
- Willing to play downhill in run support
- Good size for the position
- Great ball production over the past two years
Weaknesses
- Gets a bit loose transitioning across the field
- 11.% missed tackle rate in 2023, per TruMedia
- Loses patience and grabs in coverage occasionally
