The is notoriously a crapshoot, as "can't-miss" prospects routinely bust while 2022's Mr. Irrelevant (Brock Purdy) just led the to the last season. As such, there's no guidebook for the "right way" to draft prospects.
Certain teams are better at it than others, but even the most consistent franchises only ever acquire two or three long-term starters in any one draft class. The took that notion to heart this year, according to ' first-round pick Terrion Arnold. According to the former Alabama cornerback (via podcast), Raiders' head coach Antonio Pierce called Arnold after the draft to inform him that the team made their selection based on a coin toss.
The Raiders ended up taking Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. Though the value was solid, many questioned the pick given that they out of Notre Dame with the 35th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. As for Arnold, he ended up in a luxurious situation in Detroit, as the Lions made the NFC Championship Game last season for the first time since 1991.
He should immediately slot in as an outside cornerback opposite trade acquisition Carlton Davis III. Arnold "Excited To Play For" HC Dan Campbell Arnold earned a Freshman All-American Award in 2022, his first ever year as a starter at the cornerback position. The next year, in 2023, Arnold won First Team All-American honors.
His five interceptions in 2023 led the entire SEC, and landed him at sixth in the nation. Per on the former Crimson Tide defensive back: "To put it as simply as possi.
