The Detroit Lions did not disappoint their hometown fans on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft, adding another impact player to their secondary in front of a record-breaking crowd at Campus Martius.
With the 61st overall pick, the Lions chose Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Many draft analysts rank the 5-foot-11 playmaker among the top five cornerbacks in this year’s draft class.
Grade: A –
“Detroit’s primary weakness entering the draft was cornerback. The Lions were aggressive in addressing it with a pair of quality cornerbacks in the first and second rounds. Here, the Lions snagged aggressive Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who had 24 career passes defended in 36 games at Missouri. Rakestraw (5-11, 183) missed four games last year with a groin injury.”
injury.”
Pro Football Focus
Grade: Very Good
“The Lions continue to rebuild a defense that ranked 30th in coverage grade in 2023. Rakestraw, the 46th-ranked player on the PFF big board, is a physical cornerback who excels in zone coverage. He posted an 85.2 PFF zone coverage grade in 2023. The Lions have completely revamped their cornerback room in just one offseason.”
USA Today
Grade: B+
“Detroit follows up its first-round selection of Terrion Arnold with another aggressive cornerback. Few would have blinked had the Lions gone this route on Day 1, and Rakestraw’s tackling should earn him the admiration of Dan Campbell. No more excuses for this secondary to underachieve.”
