Lions 2024 Review: Secondary Improved, Needs More Growth

The Detroit Lions’ cornerbacks had an up-and-down season in 2024.

With so many new faces, the group looked different than the year before, but some of the same issues persisted. Detroit’s pass defense finished 31st in the league, and some of the league’s best passers took advantage of the man-heavy style.

With questions about the depth of the roster in terms of pending free agents, the team may face even more changes in 2025.

This is a review of the Lions’ cornerback performance in 2024.

Reason for Hope

Terrion Arnold made progress in his rookie season. While he was too hands-on in coverage early in the season and was called for several pass-interference penalties, he found the right balance of physicality and finesse later in the year and was able to challenge without committing penalties.

The 2024 first-round pick had some memorable moments, including a crucial pass breakup that forced a turnover on downs against Minnesota in Week 18. A full year of experience as an every-down player should help the rookie move forward, and he certainly has the mental fortitude to succeed.

Carlton Davis was a solid pick and held the CB1 position until sustaining a season-ending broken jaw. Time will tell if he’ll be back in a Lions uniform in 2025, but he was exactly what the team needed: a steadying, productive veteran presence.

Amik Robertson was another excellent offseason acquisition. Though he is undersized for the position, Robertson has a scrappy attitude and is extremely versatile. After spending the majority of the season as the nickel cornerback, he emerged as the best available cornerback option following Davis’ injury.

With another year in the organisation, Robertson provides the Lions with a reliable veteran capable of making significant contributions.

Reason to worry

Currently, only three cornerbacks who ended the year on the active roster are under contract for 2025. Arnold, Robertson, and Rakestraw are expected to return, while Davis, Kindle Vildor, Khalil Dorsey, and Emmanuel Moseley will become free agents.

Davis is the most notable of the group, but each has an intriguing case to present. Dorsey will be a priority because of his special teams skills, and while Vildor has not always been the most productive, the coaching staff has shown faith in him, and he provides value as a depth option.

Moseley, meanwhile, has struggled with injuries in his two years with the team and may be out of options.

If Davis does not return, the Lions will be without an established top cornerback. Robertson and Arnold both have that potential, but consistency will be a question heading into the season. If Davis leaves, signing a free agent veteran cornerback should be a priority.

Arnold gave up a completion percentage of 61.2 percent and an NFL passer rating of 100.4 on passes in his direction. Robertson performed better, with a completion rate of 57.5 percent and a passer rating of 88.3.

Rakestraw is also noteworthy. He was set to be the team’s starting nickel in Week 2 against Tampa Bay, but a pregame injury kept him out. He played only eight games and spent a significant amount of time on injured reserve. It’s unclear how much he can contribute to the team in his second NFL season, but he performed well in training camp.

Detroit will have pieces, but there are still questions about where the top-end production will come from in a division with several talented wideouts and a difficult schedule that includes some of the league’s best.

Biggest question

How much will Arnold grow in year 2? The Alabama product faced a trial by fire, starting all but one of the 16 regular season games he appeared in. Detroit’s scheme favours man coverage, so Arnold spent much of his first season on an island.

The best version of Detroit’s defence in 2025 will feature a more advanced Arnold. He possesses that capability and has grown on a yearly basis during his time at Alabama. As a result, it’s exciting to envision the player he could become starting next season.

If Davis returns, some pressure will be relieved. However, the Lions draughted him in the first round with the expectation that Arnold would develop into a shutdown option at the position. He does not have to be one of the league’s best in year two, but he must continue to develop within the defence.

Free agents

Carlton Davis, unrestricted free agent
Emmanuel Moseley (Unrestricted Free Agent)
Khalil Dorsey, unrestricted free agent
Kindle Vildor (Unrestricted Free Agent)