Nick Saban on Terrion Arnold: 'This guy is a special guy'
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban was on hand for Thursday night’s draft coverage with ABC, which gave him a front-row seat to see former Crimson Tide cornerback Terrion Arnold taken with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Detroit Lions executed a trade with the Dallas Cowboys, trading up five spots from No. 29 overall and giving up the No. 73 overall pick in the third round, in order to snag Arnold – a decision, according to Saban, the team won’t regret.
“I’ll tell you want, I love this guy, because this guy improved so much from last year,” Saban said. “All the guys that get frustrated with their circumstance and transfer or whatever — he stuck it out, he stayed there. He never once talked about getting in the portal and he just worked his tail off. … The guy did a great job and improved so much and I’m so happy to see him end up where he is right now.”
“Terrion has all the tools to be a really good corner,” Saban added. “He can play man-to-man, he can play the ball in the deep part of the field and he’s a good tackler. He’s aggressive, he can play in the slot. I think he can also play nickel. … He can play press and closer to the line. He’s a good tackler. So all the critical factors for a DB, he’s really good at.”
Arnold becomes second CB taken in 2024 NFL Draft
After redshirting in his freshman season, Arnold was named a Freshman All-American and to the Freshman All-SEC Team in 2022 followed by a First-Team All-American selection and a First-Team All-SEC nod this past season.
He ended the 2022 season with 45 tackles, nine defended passes, one tackle for loss, a fumble recovery, and one interception, but took his game to another level in 2023. Leading the SEC with five interceptions and 17 pass breakups along with 63 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a sack.
As impressive as his on-field skills are, Saban appreciates Arnold for his off-the-field contributions as well.
“This guy’s a special guy. He’s got a great personality,” Saban said. “He started the whole ‘LANK’ thing — ‘Let A Naysayer Know.’ And he sort of followed it and really committed himself to being the best player he could be, being a leader on the team.
“This guy is Ms. Terry’s favorite. He comes to our house and plays rummy. He sits right beside me in the defensive meeting every day.”
Besides Arnold, two more former Crimson Tide stars came off the board on night one. Offensive lineman JC Latham and edge rusher Dallas Turner also went in the first round of the draft. The Tennessee Titans selected Latham at No. 7 overall, the second lineman taken, while Turner went No. 17 overall to the Minnesota Vikings.