By Blessing 
Detroit Lions Rookie Report: Evaluating Year 1 and What’s Next for Year 2
ALLEN PARK – The Detroit Lions’ latest rookie class didn’t see as much playing time or provide as much immediate depth as in previous years. However, that’s often the case when a team improves and starts winning more—the competition for snaps and roster spots becomes tougher.
Now that their first season is in the books, let’s take a deep dive into how these rookies performed and what to expect as they head into their second year.
Round 1, Pick 24: CB Terrion Arnold
Terrion Arnold had a demanding rookie season, playing the third-most defensive snaps on the team. The Lions threw him straight into the fire as a full-time starter from Day 1, which is no easy feat for any first-year player.
While Arnold had his struggles, particularly with penalties early in the season, he showed clear progress. In the first four games alone, he was flagged 10 times, but he significantly cleaned up his play afterward, drawing just two more penalties the rest of the season. His natural aggression is something the Lions appreciate, and the key moving forward will be maintaining that edge while refining his technique.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes spoke highly of Arnold’s development:
“I think all those snaps that he played are going to serve him well going forward,” Holmes said. “And then you just saw, the waters were a little choppy early, and then you saw the waters kind of calm down, kind of midpoint to later in the season.
“So, very high expectations for him going forward. Again, we all know how he’s wired. He’s wired the right way. He’s long. He’s athletic. He’s got instincts. He’s tough. He’ll tackle, and so all those reps are just going to improve his confidence even more.”
If Arnold continues trending in this direction, the Lions could have a lockdown corner in the making.
Round 2, Pick 61: CB Ennis Rakestraw
Injuries derailed Ennis Rakestraw’s rookie campaign. He was on track to earn a starting role as a nickelback by Week 2, but a pregame injury kept him sidelined, and he never got that close to a significant role again. Ankle and hamstring injuries plagued him throughout training camp and the season, ultimately landing him on injured reserve.
Despite the frustrating season, Rakestraw remains confident and motivated heading into Year 2.
“One thing, I like my back against the wall and people not having faith in me, people don’t believe in my abilities,” Rakestraw said after the season. “It’s just going to give me the fire to do what I always needed to do. Nothing never came to me easy. Everything always came hard.
“It’s just brought me back to my roots of everybody doubting me, not believing in what the kid from West Dallas can do. I’m just appreciative that they gave me my fire back, and I’ll use it in the offseason. I’ll be better, I promise.”
With veteran Carlton Davis III’s future uncertain in free agency, Rakestraw could be in line for a bigger role next season.
Round 4, Pick 126: OL Giovanni Manu
Giovanni Manu spent his entire rookie year as a healthy scratch, which wasn’t unexpected. The massive tackle from the University of British Columbia was always considered a developmental prospect. With the Lions already set at offensive tackle with Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, there wasn’t a pressing need to rush him onto the field.
However, Manu used his rookie season to grow under the guidance of offensive line coach Hank Fraley.
“I give credit to the whole coaching staff,” Manu said. “They were just on me, developing me and all that … On the field, Hank was always demanding of me to be physical because of my frame. That showed. That showed halfway through the season, I was able to start moving guys, it was great. It’s just the first steps. It’s going to get better from here.”
If veteran Dan Skipper leaves in free agency, Manu could have an opportunity to compete for a backup role in 2025.
Round 4, Pick 132: RB Sione Vaki
Sione Vaki contributed mostly on special teams as a rookie, appearing in 16 games. He made a few splash plays, including catching a pass on a fake punt for a first down. He also chipped in six carries for 14 yards and three receptions for 37 yards on offense.
Vaki, who transitioned from safety to running back, is still learning the position. His natural pass-catching ability stood out in training camp, and the Lions believe he has room to develop further. Given his reliability on special teams, he should have a chance to grow into a larger offensive role moving forward.
Round 6, Pick 189: DL Mekhi Wingo
Mekhi Wingo was carving out a steady rotational role on the defensive line before suffering a late-season torn ACL. He played in 11 games and was becoming a key piece, offering versatility both inside and on the edge.
The Lions valued Wingo’s ability to play multiple spots, and he was getting more opportunities as the season progressed. His recovery timeline will be crucial to monitor in the offseason and training camp. If he can return healthy, he could be an important depth piece in 2025.
Round 6, Pick 210: OG Christian Mahogany
Christian Mahogany built solid momentum heading into his first full offseason. Despite missing all of training camp and preseason with mononucleosis, he eventually worked his way onto the field and impressed when given the opportunity.
Mahogany started on the road against the Chicago Bears late in the season and also stepped in for Kevin Zeitler during the Lions’ divisional-round playoff game. His physical, aggressive play in the trenches stood out.
He also gained experience at both left and right guard, backing up Graham Glasgow and Zeitler at different points. With Zeitler hitting free agency and Glasgow’s future uncertain, Mahogany could be a name to watch in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Unlike previous years, the Lions’ 2023 rookie class didn’t produce many immediate impact players, but that was more a result of a strong, established roster than a lack of talent. Terrion Arnold gained valuable starting experience and looks poised to take another step forward. Ennis Rakestraw’s health will be key to unlocking his potential, while Giovanni Manu and Sione Vaki remain intriguing developmental pieces.
Mekhi Wingo’s injury was unfortunate, but his versatility makes him an asset when healthy. Meanwhile, Christian Mahogany could push for a starting job next season.
The Lions didn’t need their rookies to play starring roles in 2023, but as they enter Year 2, the opportunity will be there for some of them to carve out bigger contributions.