The Detroit Lions are heading into 2025 with a new defensive coordinator and high expectations for one of their rising stars, Terrion Arnold. After a rookie season full of growth, Arnold has caught the attention of his coaches, including newly promoted DC Kelvin Sheppard, who sees untapped potential in the young cornerback.
Sheppard, who stepped into the coordinator role after Aaron Glenn took the Jets’ head coaching job, has big plans for Detroit’s defense. Despite a season plagued by injuries, the Lions still managed to rank seventh in points allowed in 2024. Now, with young talent like Arnold gaining experience, the defense could take another step forward.
Arnold, drafted 24th overall out of Alabama, played a major role in Detroit’s secondary last season. He logged over 900 defensive snaps, stepping up even more after veteran Carlton Davis suffered a broken jaw. His rookie campaign started with some growing pains—penalties piled up early in the season, including five pass interference calls in his first four games. However, as the year progressed, he cleaned up his play significantly, earning praise from both Sheppard and GM Brad Holmes.
“He’s got the right attitude,” Holmes said at the NFL Combine. “He took some lumps early, but he’s coachable, passionate, and prideful. He wants to be great, and we believe he will be.”
Holmes also credited secondary coach Deshea Townsend for helping Arnold develop throughout the year. By the end of the season, Arnold had settled into a key role, even playing every snap in the Lions’ playoff loss to Washington.
Now, as Detroit prepares for another postseason push, Arnold’s continued growth could be a major factor in the team’s success. Sheppard has made it clear—Arnold’s potential is far from maxed out, and he’s ready to push him to another level.
Lions Rookie Terrion Arnold Sees Untapped Potential in Detroit
