Alabama Cornerback Terrion Arnold Selected by Detroit Lions in 2024 NFL Draft

The Lions traded up to pick Arnold with their second selection of the first round.

NFL draft prospect Terrion Arnold, a cornerback who played at Alabama, walks the red carpet for NFL / Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former University Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold made the hometown crowd for the 2024 NFL Draft very happy.

The Detroit Lions traded up to select Arnold 24th overall in the first round of the draft on Thursday night and got to celebrate with thousands of Lions fans watching in the crowd.

He is the third Crimson Tide player drafted in the first round by the Lions in the past three seasons joining Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams. Former Alabama safety Brian Branch is also with Detroit.

"Everybody loves him," former Alabama head coach Nick Saban said on the ABC broadcast. "He started the whole LANK thing– Let All Naysayers Know. He followed it and really committed to be being the best player he could be, being a leader on the team."

Arnold was widely hailed as being a solid first-round talent, and maybe the best cornerback in the draft even though he’s still fairly new to the position. At 6-0, 189 pounds, he has the size most teams covet at the position, but he also has speed and a toughness that’s unique in this draft.

Being a 5-star prospect at safety who switched positions, he could play anywhere in the secondary, but may end up being an ideal slot-type defender.

Last season, Arnold tied for the SEC lead in interceptions with five. Was second in the league in passes defended with 17. Averaged 1.2 passes defended per game to tie for the SEC lead and 10th in Division I. Was credited with 63 tackles to rank fifth on team, including 6.5 for loss (-24 yards) and one sack (-9 yards).

NFL Draft Bible rated gun as the No. 2 cornerback in the draft: “Some evaluators prefer the SEC level of competition that Arnold faced in the SEC. The passionate defender had an outstanding draft season, including an impressive week of Senior Bowl practice and terrific combine performance. His combination of coverage skills, character, consistency and leadership stack up against any corner in the draft. Like many top cornerbacks, Arnold doesn’t lack confidence.”

In his final mock draft, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated projected Arnold to be the 17th-overall selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Arnold is the third Alabama player to get drafted on Thursday night. Offensive tackle JC Latham went seventh overall to the Titans, and Dallas Turner was selcted 17th by the Vikings.