Lions’ 2024 Rookie Class Gets Rough (But Fair) Ranking After Year One
It usually takes about three years to fully judge an NFL draft class. By then, players have built their resumes, and the overreactions—good or bad—have settled. But that doesn’t stop early evaluations, and after one season, the Lions’ 2024 rookie class hasn’t exactly wowed anyone.
It’s no secret that Detroit didn’t get a ton of immediate impact from their rookies. First-round pick Terrion Arnold played a major role, but injuries sidelined other key selections like cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, defensive tackle Mehki Wingo, and guard Christian Mahogany. Running back Sione Vaki mostly contributed on special teams, and offensive lineman Giovanni Manu spent the year developing after making the jump from Canadian college football.
One bright spot? Undrafted rookie long snapper Hogan Hatten, who won the job and performed flawlessly all season, helping kicker Jake Bates and punter Jack Fox thrive.
NFL.com’s Harsh But Expected Rookie Class Ranking
Given how little production the Lions got from their rookies, it’s no shock that NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice ranked Detroit’s 2024 draft class 28th in the league, slapping them with a C- grade.
“Like Philadelphia, Detroit drafted cornerbacks in the first two rounds,” Filice noted. “Unlike Philadelphia, Detroit didn’t enjoy immediate Super Bowl-winning returns. Ennis Rakestraw Jr.’s season was waylaid by injuries, so it’s hard to judge his actual performance. Terrion Arnold, on the other hand, basically started the entire season—and he experienced significant growing pains, particularly in a flag-filled opening month.”
Filice also pointed out that Mahogany played well in his two starts (including a playoff game) and that Vaki earned a spot on the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team for his special teams work.
Was This Always the Plan?
It’s fair to say the Lions weren’t expecting huge contributions from most of their rookies in Year 1. Arnold, Rakestraw, and Vaki were likely the only ones Detroit counted on for early impact. Manu, Wingo, and Mahogany were always viewed as long-term projects, and injuries slowed down two of them.
So, while the low ranking stings a bit, it’s not exactly a shocker—and it might not matter in the long run if these players develop as expected.
What do you think? Too harsh, or fair criticism? Let us know in the comments!
