Detroit Lions 2024 NFL Draft Recap: Six Picks and UDFA Signings

The Detroit Lions have significantly strengthened their roster through the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting six promising prospects to don the Honolulu Blue. Following the draft, General Manager Brad Holmes and the team’s front office remained active, securing a number of undrafted free agents (UDFAs) aiming to intensify competition for roster spots.

Below is a list highlighting their draft selections and the fresh talent signed post-draft.

Draft picks

Round 1, pick 24: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama

• From Dane Brugler’s “The Beast” draft guide: “Arnold offers an ideal blend of cover athleticism and competitive makeup, with the ball skills to make plays at every level of the field. He is scheme-versatile and has the talent to work inside or outside. He can be an NFL team’s No. 1 cornerback, offering a skill set similar to that of the Chicago Bears’ Jaylon Johnson.”

Round 2, pick 61 overall: CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri

• From Dane Brugler’s “The Beast” draft guide: “He plays aggressive, sticky coverage with NFL-quality movement skills and confidence. He has NFL starting man-cover talent, if he stays healthy.”

Round 4, pick 126 overall: OT Giovanni Manu, University of British Columbia

• From Dane Brugler’s “The Beast” draft guide: “Manu isn’t NFL ready, but he is a highly intriguing developmental tackle with rare athletic tools.”

Round 4, pick 132 overall: RB/S Sione Vaki, Utah

• From Dane Brugler’s “The Beast” draft guide: “Vaki plays with the physicality and downhill speed NFL coaches desire at safety…his potential as a core special teamer could be his ticket to an NFL roster spot.”
• Note: Vaki is expected to play running back with the Lions, while also contributing on special teams. A versatile player like Vaki, this is certainly subject to change!

Round 6, pick 189 overall: DT Mekhi Wingo, LSU

• From Dane Brugler’s “The Beast” draft guide: “His first-step quickness and shock in his hands often gives him early advantages. He has NFL starting potential as a three-technique in a four-man front, projecting as a not-as-explosive version of Ed Oliver.”

Round 6, pick 210 overall: G Christian Mahogany, Boston College

• From Dane Brugler’s “The Beast” draft guide: “He plays like a bouncer outside of a club, looking to bash heads with power and forceful hands. He projects as a guard-versatile NFL starter, ideally suited for a downhill run team.”

Undrafted Free Agent Signings

1. C Duke Clemens, UCLA
2. OL Bryan Hudson, Louisville
3. WR Isaiah Williams, Illinois
4. WR Jalon Calhoun, Duke
5. TE Isaac Rex, BYU
6. K James Turner, Michigan
7. LS Hogan Hatten, Idaho
8. EDGE Isaac Ukwu, Ole Miss
9. EDGE Nate Lynn, William and Mary
10. LB Steele Chambers, Ohio State
11. CB Morice Norris, Fresno State
12. CB/S Loren Strickland, Ball State
13. S/LB DaRon Gilbert, Northern Illinois
14. S Chelen Garnes, Wake Forest

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For more from our Detroit Lions beat writer, Matt Broder, check him out on Twitter here: @mattbro21

Contact: Broder@woodwardsports.com

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