Lions stole Packers draft target with timely trade

Terrion Arnold was a consensus first-round choice coming into the NFL Draft. He played in 25 games in his final two seasons, recording 108 total tackles with a sack, 20 PDs and six interceptions for the Crimson Tide. So, the Lions moving up to select him is a big deal, especially after they made a run to the NFC title game and have been enamored with Alabama players lately.

The Lions selected Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, and now Arnold in the first round over the past four drafts, so it isn’t surprising to see them draft another former Crimson Tide star.

Arnold even had scouts raving about him as the best corner in the class, as one AFC scout said, per Fowler:

“As far as talent, speed, coverage, ball production, tackling, size, ability to play inside and outside — I had him as the best corner.”

Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo was the first cornerback selected in the draft, going at No. 22 to the Philadelphia Eagles. After that, it was Arnold, who became the second at his position taken in an offensive-heavy beginning of the first round.

Nonetheless, the Lions not only got a star cornerback, but they also prevented a division rival from grabbing him, making things even better all around. The Packers wound up selecting three safeties in the draft: Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, and Kitan Oladapo. They also grabbed Penn State’s Kalen King with their final pick coming in the 7th round, but it was clear Terrion Arnold was high on their wish list.