The Detroit Lions have signed their second-round pick, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., making him the fifth member of the team’s rookie class to secure a contract. Only first-round pick Terrion Arnold remains unsigned.
The Lions selected Rakestraw at No. 61 overall in the 2024 draft, doubling up on cornerbacks after picking Arnold earlier.
Rakestraw is expected to play a significant role in the Lions’ revamped secondary. NFL Films’ Greg Cosell praised Rakestraw, stating, “Rakestraw is one of those corners whose tape you love to watch because of his feisty competitive swagger and attitude. Despite his thin frame and 183-pound weight, he doesn’t let it impact his physical approach, especially as a run defender, where he was as tough and competitive as any corner in the draft.”
In 2023, Rakestraw earned an 80.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, with a 78.7 coverage grade and an impressive 89.0 run-defense mark.
“Some teams might view him more as a slot corner due to his lack of ideal size for the outside, combined with his short-area burst, quickness, toughness in playing the run, and overall high-level competitiveness,” Cosell noted. “He is more than just a cover corner, which might lead teams to believe slot corner is a better fit for him. Rakestraw has extensive experience playing both outside and slot corner, and if his thin frame is seen as a disadvantage on the outside, he can be effectively deployed in the slot, where his athletic and competitive traits will help him succeed.”
Detroit general manager Brad Holmes has made a significant effort this offseason to bolster the team’s cornerback roster. In addition to drafting Rakestraw and Arnold, Holmes acquired veteran corners Carlton Davis (via trade) and Amik Robertson (via free agency).
These additions will join the existing group of Lions cornerbacks, including returning players Emmanuel Moseley and Kindle Vildor, in the 2024 season.
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