The Detroit Lions have had major success with their recent draft picks, helping them create one of the most talented rosters. However, one such draft class that hasn’t been viewed in the same light is the 2024 NFL Draft. 

On the Locked On Lions podcast, NFL analyst Jake Riepma offered a blunt assessment when he reviewed the 2024 draft class, especially the Lions’ first-round pick.

“The 2024 draft class for the Detroit Lions in the first round trading up to get him at pick number 24, Terrion Arnold. Yikes,” said Riepma. “Round two pick 61 out of Missouri. And Ennis Rakestraw yikes to this point. Hopefully that changes.”

Riepma had the same reaction when he reviewed one of their fourth-round picks, the 126th overall pick, Giovanni Manu. However, he had a different reaction to another of their fourth-round picks.

“Round four, pick 132 out of Utah, not a full yikes, Sione Vaki,” said Riepma on the Locked On Lions podcast. “Just a partial. He was a running back, and we’re trying to figure out if he’s a running back or a safety. And again, it’s a fourth-round pick, so there’s some risk there.”

He also noted that he didn't hate the team's later choices, such as sixth-round picks Mekhi Wingo from LSU (189th overall) and Christian Mahogany (210th overall).

Arnold has been released by the Lions due to his legal troubles, while Rakestraw only played eight games and missed the 2025 season due to injury.

Vaki is the player with the most appearances for the team, with 27, but has seen more time on defense than in his conventional running back position. Whereas Wingo has appeared in 13 games, but with only two in 2025.

Mahogany, on the other hand, was the Lions’ starting left guard during the 2025 season. However, he could be losing his starting spot next season, after head coach Dan Campbell had mentioned that it was an open competition for the position.

It does not seem like the class of 2024 will be breaking out this season either, as nine current Lions players were named to the All-PFF team.

Nine out of 24 roster spots were given to current Lions players in the All-PFF team

As part of Pro Football Focus reaching 20 years of collecting NFL data in June, they created a lineup of the best Lions players in that time span. While the roster featured Lions legends like Calvin Johnson and Frank Ragnow, it also included nine current players.

The roster had current stars in running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta, and offensive tackle Penei Sewell on offense. However, current quarterback Jared Goff lost out to former Lions and current Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.

On defense, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker Jack Campbell, cornerback Brian Branch, and Kerby Joseph in the safety position. 

Meanwhile, no player on the Lions’ 2006 team made the team, whereas no one from the defense of the 2007 and 2008 teams made the roster either. However, offensive guard Graham Glasgow and offensive tackle Taylor Decker, who were released this offseason, were also part of the roster.

Do you think it's too early to write off the Lions' 2024 draft class, or is a "yikes" the right reaction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore