The Detroit Lions were undoubtedly aware that the Green Bay Packers were in need of a cornerback.
As the first round progressed, it became evident that the early emphasis on offensive players would lead several very skilled and much sought-after defensive players to fall.
ESPN has stated that the Lions could be one step ahead of their division foe. The Packers were unable to choose Terrion Arnold, who was allegedly high on their draft board, because general manager Brad Holmes traded up to the No. 24 spot.
According to NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, the Lions may have jumped an NFC North opponent in the pursuit of a quality cornerback. As Detroit climbed from No. 29 to No. 24 to sign cornerback Terrion Arnold, the Packers, ranked No. 25, were among the clubs on Arnold’s radar entering the 20s. Arnold is thought to have been highly regarded in Green Bay.
Detroit needed fresh talent in the secondary. The front office and coaching staff have worked together to improve an underperforming secondary unit through various additions.
“Green Bay’s standout cornerback, Jaire Alexander, was selected in the 2018 first round at No. 18, two picks ahead of Detroit. The Lions selected Frank Ragnow with that pick, thus everything went well for both clubs. But at least Detroit prevented Green Bay from acquiring another terrific cornerback. Detroit valued Arnold’s man-coverage abilities and overall game.
“As far as talent, speed, coverage, ball production, tackling, size, ability to play inside and outside — I had him as the best corner,” an AFC scout told ESPN of the former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back.
The Packers eventually found their cornerback in the seventh round, selecting Penn State defensive back Kalen King with pick No. 255.
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