Following the 2024 NFL Draft last weekend, the Detroit Lions have added six new players. How many of those players, though, will actually get to start in Week 1?
It’s more difficult to say for the Lions than most teams, considering that prior to their draft picks, Detroit had a strong group that could have competed for a Super Bowl.
However, at least two players—both on the defensive end of the ball—have a chance to start in 2024.
Lions picks with best chance to start
CB Terrion Arnold
Arnold figures to start opposite Carlton Davis in Year 1, but he’ll have to beat out both Amik Robertson and Emmanuel Moseley first. However, neither is exactly stiff competition for the starting role, giving Arnold a great shot.
There’s also a chance Arnold finds himself in the slot in Year 1 if the Lions decide to move Brian Branch to safety. While possible because of the question marks at the position, that’s less likely than Arnold starting outside.
CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Rakestraw can work on the boundary or in the slot, giving him multiple ways to find a starting role. In terms of the former role, he’ll have to beat out three players in Arnold, Robertson and Moseley, which will be difficult to do.
And, as is the case with Arnold, the only way Rakestraw works out of the slot is if the Lions decide to move Branch out of that spot, which is possible due to the fact that the Lions don’t have sure answers there.
Rakestraw is less likely to find a starting role than Arnold, but the chance remains, though.
What about the rest?
OL Giovanni Manu: The fourth-round pick said the plan is for him to work at right guard, but veteran Kevin Zeitler will man that spot in 2024. Manu certainly won’t get a chance at tackle with Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell locked-in on the left and right side, respectively.
S/RB Sione Vaki: The Lions expressed interest in Vaki as a running back during the pre-draft process, something that’s bad news for his chances of starting in 2024, as Detroit is loaded there with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
He would have had a better shot to start at safety, but it appears that position isn’t in the cards for him at the next level. Vaki’s best chance at snaps are on special teams.
DL Mekhi Wingo: Detroit added D.J. Reader to a defensive line that already included up-and-coming interior lineman Alim McNeill. Barring injury, there’s no way Wingo sees starter’s snaps upfront.
G Christian Mahogany: The Lions have two starters set at guard in Zeitler and Graham Glasgow, so Mahogany will have to wait his turn for a starting role. He could be a candidate in 2025 if Zeitler moves on.
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