Dane Brugler Is A Big Fan of What the Detroit Lions Did This Past Weekend
Dane Brugler, a respected NFL Draft guru from The Athletic, has provided a comprehensive analysis and ranking of the Detroit Lions‘ selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. Brugler’s insights delve deep into how each pick aligns with the team’s strategic objectives and overall fit within the squad’s ethos. Here’s a detailed look at Brugler’s evaluation, which highlights both the standout choices and potential surprises among the later picks.
Terrion Arnold: A Strategic Masterstroke
In Brugler’s view, the Lions’ first-round victory came with cornerback Terrion Arnold from Alabama, whom he ranked No. 10 overall on his board. Described as the highest-graded defensive player in the draft, Arnold’s selection at the 24th pick represents significant value. Brugler applauds Arnold’s competitive nature and aggressive play, traits ideal for a cornerback, especially one coached by Dan Campbell, known for demanding toughness and resilience from his players.
Day 2 Continues the Defensive Focus
Continuing their focus on defense, the Lions picked up Ennis Rakestraw Jr., a cornerback from Missouri, at No. 61 in the second round. Brugler considers this move a strategic continuation of the Lions’ efforts to bolster their secondary, adding depth and fostering competition. Rakestraw’s versatility and dedication are expected to complement Arnold and enhance Detroit’s defensive capabilities.
Day 3 Gems: Potential Surprises
Christian Mahogany, a guard from Boston College, chosen in the sixth round, stands out in Brugler’s Day 3 analysis. Despite medical concerns that likely affected his draft stock, Mahogany’s powerful blocking and agile footwork impressed Brugler, who suggests that he could compete for a starting role by 2025. Additionally, Detroit’s trade for Giovanni Manu, an offensive tackle from the University of British Columbia, underscores their commitment to developing project players with exceptional physical tools.
Defensive and Offensive Line Enhancements
Brugler also praises the selection of Mekhi Wingo, a defensive tackle from LSU, alongside Mahogany in the sixth round. Both players, ranked inside Brugler’s top 100, are viewed as high-value picks who could significantly contribute to the Lions’ strategies.
Overall Draft Class Ranking
Impressively, Dane Brugler ranked the Detroit Lions’ 2024 draft class as the third-best in the NFL, behind only the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers. This high ranking reflects Brugler’s confidence in the Lions’ strategic draft decisions and their potential to positively impact the team moving forward.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Strategically Targeted Draft Picks: Dane Brugler of The Athletic praised the Detroit Lions for their strategic selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, particularly highlighting cornerback Terrion Arnold from Alabama as a standout pick. Arnold, who Brugler ranked as the tenth overall player and the highest-graded defensive player in the draft, epitomizes the aggressive and competitive nature that Lions’ coach Dan Campbell values.
- Notable Day 3 Selections: Brugler also pointed out the potential impact of sixth-round picks Christian Mahogany and Mekhi Wingo, noting that despite falling to the later rounds, both players have qualities that could see them competing for significant roles on the team. Mahogany’s power blocking and Wingo’s defensive prowess could provide the Lions with great value relative to their draft positions.
- High Overall Draft Class Ranking: Brugler ranked the Detroit Lions’ 2024 draft class as the third best in the NFL, following the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers. This ranking reflects a high degree of approval for the Lions’ draft strategy and the potential immediate and long-term impact of their selected players on the team’s performance.
Bottom Line: Another Good Draft for the Lions
Overall, Dane Brugler of The Athletic gave the Detroit Lions high marks for their 2024 draft strategy. The Lions’ approach to selecting skilled players who also embody the team culture under Coach Campbell was particularly praised. As these athletes progress in their NFL careers, their development and adaptation to the Lions’ strategies will be pivotal in evaluating the long-term impact of this highly-ranked draft class.
