Detroit Lions rookie Terrion Arnold is set to become an unbelievably important piece to the teams' defense this season. The second year cornerback finished up his rookie season dealing with heartbreak - the Lions, of course, were eliminated by the Washington Commanders after finally succumbing to several injuries on defense.
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This season, the secondary is looking far more fierce than it finished out as. Arnold, D.J. Reed, Brian Branch, and Kerby Joseph are formidable on paper, and are set to be back healthy as a force defensively in the NFC North. Arnold, while young, is considered a significant part to that blueprint.
In a new write-up from ESPN Lions beat reporter Eric Woodyard, it's seen that Arnold has all the confidence in the world to become one of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL - and, maybe even one of the best cornerbacks in the league, period.
"It was nothing but experience. Like, I always said, a lot of teams sit back there and play zone, but I had to go out there and challenge wide receiver ones, and I'm young. So, I know I'll be the best corner in the league pretty soon. I'm very confident," said Arnold to reporters in January per Woodyard.
Hearing that should get any Lions fan excited to see him locking up all of his assignments throughout the season.
Arnold has sky-high confidence headed into 2025 season
Arnold finished up his 2024 rookie campaign with 47 solo tackles, 10 passes defended, and 662 total coverage snaps. While he obviously has room for improvement - he finished up with a 51.5 PFF grade and 56 receptions allowed - you like to see a young defender like Arnold with as much cockiness that he has headed into a critical year for Detroit's contention window.
"It was never a talent thing as far as lining up and somebody was better than me. It was just things from my inexperience and not seeing, but the only way to get better and gain experience is by being out there," said Arnold according to Woodyard in his piece.
The Lions showed major confidence in Arnold from Day 1, trading up for him in 2024 to snag him in the first round. He has a great support system around him in Reed, Branch, and Joseph, and that's going to open the door for him to improve over time and without pressure to become the next Deion Sanders overnight.
