ESPN analyst says Terrion Arnold can make or break the Lions' season

Terrion Arnold is set to be the Detroit Lions' CB1 this season as the team looks to become just as formidable as they were to begin their 2024 campaign.

Arnold, Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Amik Robertson, and D.J. Reed are trying to all lift Detroit to new heights by generating turnovers and shutting down opposing teams' passing games, especially with the Lions' pass rush resting on the shoulders of Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport.

It's what makes Arnold's role in the Lions' defense so critical - the second year defensive back is looking to pick up the slack left behind by fellow second year defender Ennis Rakestraw Jr., as he's out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. He needs to continue his momentum from 2024 to make things click.

That's why ESPN's Ben Solak has named him as the Lions' top x-factor headed into this year, as Detroit as the goal of a Super Bowl victory in mind.

"A first-round pick last year, Arnold settled in nicely as a rookie after a penalty-filled September; by December, his performance in coverage reflected his improvement. Arnold will face a stiffer class of competition, and if new coordinator Kelvin Sheppard retains last season's defensive philosophy, Arnold will be placed on islands in man coverage. It's a tall ask, but Arnold has the tools to meet it," wrote Solak.

Arnold named Lions' x-factor for 2025 Lions

If Arnold is able to reach a point in his second season with the team where he's not just wracking up pass deflections, but interceptions, then he'll firmly enter the conversation for an All-Defense nod. He was already getting ordained with the task of defending the WR1 of each team week after week, so it's just a matter of making teams pay for even attempting to throw in his direction.

READ MORE: Dan Campbell pays Penei Sewell big compliment that could mean more trick plays

With Reed at CB2 now, the Lions aren't going to miss too much of a step thanks to the departure of Carlton Davis III in the offseason for the New England Patriots. Reed was a top defender with the New York Jets, and still has plenty in the tank.

He was tenth in the league last season in passes allowed with just 56 on the year, but finished up with a lower than average overall coverage grade from PFF of just 50.4. Arnold will just need to hit the ground running to start 2025 against a gauntlet of a schedule for the Lions, and he should be able to surpass those so-so numbers.