As we head into the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s always fun (and possibly educational) to look back at previous drafts to see how it might impact current draft strategy.
Here was my 2024 video podcast with the initial review of the Detroit Lions 2024 draft picks. The primary topics, which are still highly relevant, included:
Importance of draft prospect age - It was important in 2024 and is just as important now. Brad Holmes addressed the concern with older prospects in his 2026 pre-draft press conference.
Ennis Rakestraw core muscle surgery - Explanation of a core muscle injury and the concern level moving forward. Multiple 2026 CB prospects have a history of core muscle injuries.
Schedule release day excitement - It’s an important day for Lions’ fans who travel to games. The 2026 schedule release is expected in mid-May.
Detroit Lions 2024 Draft Picks with Injury Updates
Unfortunately, all the Lions 2024 draft picks have had significant injuries since joining the NFL. Could any of this been forecasted?
Watch the video and see the injury updates below. The takeaway is that drafting medically clean prospects will not fully protect against future injuries.
Round 1, Pick 24: Terrion Arnold, CB (Alabama) - Season-ending shoulder surgery and concussion in 2025.
Round 2, Pick 61: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB (Missouri) - Multiple hamstring injuries in 2024 and season-ending shoulder surgery in 2025 training camp.
Round 4, Pick 126: Giovanni Manu, OT (University of British Columbia) - Knee injury in October 2025 kept him out the rest of the season.
Round 4, Pick 132: Sione Vaki, RB/S (Utah) - Multiple injuries in 2025 including hamstring, groin, ankle, thumb, and possible shoulder.
Round 6, Pick 189: Mekhi Wingo, DT (LSU) - Knee meniscus surgery ended 2024 season. Had a follow up surgery which delayed recovery. Limited to two game appearances in 2025.
Round 6, Pick 210: Christian Mahogany, G (Boston College) - Mononucleosis knocked him out the first half of 2024. Fractured fibula kept him out for six weeks in 2025.
For some ideas on how to decrease the Lions’ injuries…
