Grayland

Arnold

Arnold was competing for the Steelers’ slot corner role before his injury. The fifth-year vet has played in just 26 games in his career while making one start but had reportedly seen plenty of snaps with the first-team defense. Steelers beat writer Brian Batko believes that because of this injury, Arnold “likely won’t be part of the equation [for the Steelers’ defense] this season,” which could indicate this is a season-ender.

The Eagles now have just three running backs on their roster: Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Kenny Gainwell. The Eagles also waived/released DB Andrew Adams, OT Le’Raven Clark, DL Hassan Ridgeway, TE Richard Rodgers, DB Kevon Seymour, DB Grayland Arnold, OG Kayode Awosika, WR Travis Fulgham, WR John Hightower, RB Jason Huntley, DB Craig James, DL Matt Leo, OG Iosua Opeta, WR Andre Patton, C Ross Pierschbacher, DB Elijah Riley, S JaCoby Stevens, and DL Raequan Williams.

Arnold was a productive player for the Bears all four years on the Baylor campus, but he was particularly good in 2019 with six interceptions. His size (5'9/186) obviously didn’t help, nor did the fact that he ran a 4.59 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. In his write-up for The Athletic, draft expert Dane Brugler writes: “Overall, Arnold has culture-setting intangibles and a nose for the football that will endear him to pro coaches, but his size and speed shortcomings lower his NFL ceiling and create scheme confusion, projecting best as a nickel defensive back with return ability.”

Arnold ran with the safeties on Sunday, but he’s likely to play nickel at the NFL level. The former Bear also posted a broad jump of 120 inches, and his vertical came in at 33 inches. Arnold is known more for his instincts and athleticism, and while he has shown the ability to return punts, it doesn’t appear he’ll be doing that on Sundays. He’ll likely be a Day 3 pick or a priority free agent.

Arnold (5'10/190) is coming off of a junior season in which he earned second team all-Big 12 honors, as he intercepted six passes and tallied 40 total tackles. The big play ability is certainly there, as he is also capable of contributing on special teams as a punt returner. But Arnold does come with durability concerns, as he reached double figures in games played just once during his Baylor career (13 games in 2019). Staying healthy and tackling are two areas in which Arnold will need to make strides if he’s to have a good NFL career.

Arnold announced his decision the day after Matt Rhule left to become the Carolina Panthers’ head coach. The 2019 second-team All-Big 12 honoree ranked No. 2 in the conference with six interceptions last fall. He chipped in 40 tackles and two breakups. Arnold (5'10/190) will be vying for a Day 3 call in April.

Arnold underwent surgery on Sunday. He appeared in 11 games as a true freshman, logging 20 tackles with four pass breakups and two TFL. Verkderic Vaughns is expected to see more playing time. Arnold is the fifth member of Baylor’s secondary to undergo surgery, following safety Jordan Tolbert and cornerbacks Raleigh Texada, Timarcus Davis and Tre’von Lewis.

Arnold sustained a broken arm near the end of preseason camp, an injury which required surgery to repair. At the time, he was given a 6-8 timetable for recovery. The 5-foot-9, 180-pounder healed up much faster than expected. Playing as a true freshman last season, he registered 20 tackles (2.0 for loss) and four pass breakups. Blake Lynch and Harrison Hand have seen increased snaps in his place, but Arnold is expected to slide in as starter now that he has been medically cleared for action.