Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Jayden Jernigan (0) celebrate a defensive stop against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
In a draft event at Campus Martius Park attended by over 230,000 fans, the Detroit Lions fortified their secondary by selecting Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. with the 61st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Known for his aggressive play and physicality, Rakestraw epitomizes the toughness that the Lions aim to instill in their new team culture. He is the Lions’ second cornerback pick this year, following the selection of Alabama’s Terrion Arnold on Day 1 with the 24th overall pick.
Here are five key insights about Rakestraw:
1. Dominant Playing Style: Rakestraw’s approach as a press corner is characterized by his assertiveness and speed. He disrupts opposing offenses by aggressively challenging receivers and making his coverage area difficult to navigate. Despite facing injury setbacks, his speed and disruptive skills make him a formidable force on the field.
2. Size and Agility: Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 183 pounds, Rakestraw combines size with agility, complementing his playing style effectively. Throughout his college career, he accumulated impressive stats, including 11 pass defenses, one forced fumble, 73 tackles (including 3 1/2 tackles for loss), and one sack.
3. Overcoming Injury: Despite struggling with drills at the NFL Combine due to a lingering injury, Rakestraw managed to showcase his athleticism. His 40-yard dash time of 4.51 seconds ranked tied-23rd among cornerbacks, and he was expected to improve upon this at his Pro Day. Additionally, he recorded a 10-foot broad jump and a 1.54-second 10-yard split, demonstrating his explosiveness and agility.
4. Recruitment by Nick Saban: Rakestraw’s path to Missouri was unconventional. Despite receiving heavy recruitment from Nick Saban and Alabama, he ultimately chose Missouri at the last minute, desiring to contribute to a program he could help build. This decision paid off, as he played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ transformation from back-to-back 6-7 seasons to an impressive 11-2 record in 2023, culminating in a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State.
5. Versatility and Special Teams Potential: Rakestraw offers versatility, having begun his Missouri career at nickel before transitioning to an outside role. His experience at nickel, which he likened to an NFL style, underscores his adaptability and grasp of defensive schemes. Additionally, his stint as a gunner for the Tigers suggests his potential impact on special teams, providing him with an early opportunity to contribute while vying for a defensive role.
