Detroit Lions CB Terrion Arnold: What NFL Draft scouting reports said

The Detroit Lions made fans very happy on Thursday night when they traded up to No. 24 overall to select Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The hope, of course, is that Arnold will bolster a secondary that had a question mark opposite Carlton Davis, who is currently Detroit’s CB1. Arnold will look to secure the No. 2 cornerback spot in a competition against Amik Robertson and Emmanuel Moseley.

So, what can Lions fans expect out of their newest defender? Find out now as we take a look at what NFL Draft analysts were saying about Arnold in their scouting reports.

Terrion Arnold scouting reports

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com:

Twitchy man-cover corner with outstanding athletic ability and the skill set to bring in ball production at the professional level. Arnold possesses average size but plays with a desired level of aggression and competitiveness in both phases of his job. He’s fast and agile to match up against a variety of receiver flavors on the outside or in the slot. Arnold could squeeze routes tighter from off coverages and limit the yards after catch with a slightly different approach. His closing burst allows him to meet throws at the catch point with a natural feel for playing angles and attacking the receiver’s hands. Arnold will make mistakes with positioning and lose focus at times, but the athletic traits and nose for the ball create quality upside for him to be positioned as a CB1 within a couple of years.

 Bleacher Report scouting department:

POSITIVES

— Smooth athlete with fluid hips and movement skills. Has the twitch and explosiveness to drive out of breaks. Able to quickly sink his hips with great reactionary quickness and looks to run routes for receivers.

— Great top-end speed. Easily able to run with receivers downfield with very good recovery speed. Few receivers able to get behind him.

— High-IQ player with the awareness and instincts to play in the run game. Makes quick decisions and triggers downhill to the run. Quick to defeat blocks in space and shows to be a secure tackler in tight space.

NEGATIVES

— Inconsistent tackler, especially in space. Stops his feet and dive at the ball-carrier at times.

— Plays high at times, especially in off coverage. Tends to hop into breaks, leading to slower change of direction. Ultimately allowing too much separation and easy receptions.

Ian Cummings, Pro Football Network:

Arnold grades out as a blue-chip prospect and a top-10 talent in the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s my personal CB1 in the 2024 NFL Draft class, and especially for man-heavy teams that value run support at CB, Arnold has immediate appeal and impact starter upside.

At just 21 years old, Arnold has a long prime ahead of him. And with a little more refinement, he can be a true impact starter who specializes in man but holds his own in zone. And he has the slot versatility and playmaking authority to be the central moving piece of a secondary. 

Pro Football Focus:

Arnold isn’t the most polished cornerback in this class, but his high-percentile athletic abilities give him as high of a ceiling as any cornerback in man or zone systems. 

Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network:

Strengths:

Explosive athlete 

Ball skills 

Physical presence in run game 

Functional strength

IQ/Awareness 

Concerns:

Patience in press coverage 

Nuanced receivers can speed up technique in press

Author(s)

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.

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