Lions bolster their pass defense with the addition of two cornerbacks in the draft | Lifestyle

The Detroit Lions made significant moves in the NFL draft to address their pass defense issues and add depth to their roster. With the selections of Terrion Arnold from Alabama and Ennis Rakestraw from Missouri, the Lions are looking to strengthen their cornerback position and improve their overall defensive performance.

After finishing 27th against the pass last season and allowing the second-most passing yards per game in the playoffs, the Lions knew they needed to make changes. In addition to their draft picks, the team also traded for Carlton Davis, re-signed Emmanuel Moseley and Khalil Dorsey, and signed free agent Amik Robertson to create competition in the cornerback room.

General manager Brad Holmes expressed his excitement about the intense battles that will take place during training camp as the new additions compete for starting roles. He emphasized the importance of competition in bringing out the best in players and ultimately making the team stronger.

While Holmes believes that the Lions’ roster has improved, he made it clear that the drafted players will need to prove themselves on the field. He acknowledged that the team has provided them with the resources for success, but it will be up to the players to earn their spots and contribute to the team’s success.

One notable selection in the draft was offensive tackle Giovanni Manu from the University of British Columbia, marking the first time the Lions have drafted a player from a Canadian college. Manu, who hails from Tonga and moved to British Columbia at a young age, is looking to follow in the footsteps of his teammate Penei Sewell and make an impact in the NFL.

The Lions also traded up to select Sione Vaki from Utah, a versatile player who excelled on both offense and defense in college. Vaki’s athleticism and football IQ impressed the Lions’ front office, and they are excited to see how he can contribute to the team in various roles.

In addition to Vaki, the Lions added guard Christian Mahogany from Boston College and defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo from LSU in later rounds of the draft. These selections further bolster the team’s depth and provide additional options for the coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Overall, the Lions made strategic moves in the draft to address their needs and add talent to their roster. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising rookies, the team is poised to make significant improvements on both sides of the ball and compete at a higher level in the upcoming season.