This offseason, the Detroit Lions employed a variety of resources to fix the cornerback position. It would not be unexpected if the Lions added another cornerback in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. But if they do, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine argues that Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw Jr. should not be the choice.
Ballentine identified Rakestraw as the one prospect the Lions should avoid in the 2024 NFL draft.
“Ennis Rakestraw III is one of the more divisive cornerback prospects in this year’s class,” Ballentine stated in an email. “The Missouri Tiger is in nearly a quarter of mock drafts as a first-round pick, per NFL Mock Draft Database, but he’s ranked 97th overall on our big board.”
According to Bleacher Report’s consensus rankings, Rakestraw ranks 13th among all cornerbacks in the 2024 class.
But, as Ballentine pointed out, he’s getting a lot more respect from other publications. According to ESPN’s consensus rankings, Rakestraw is ranked 32nd overall and sixth among cornerbacks.
Pro Football Focus ranks him 46th overall and ninth at cornerback.
Last season, Rakestraw had four pass defenses, one forced fumble, and 35 total tackles, 1.5 of which were for loss. During his junior season in 2022, he recorded 12 pass defenses.
According to analyst Ballentine, the Lions should avoid Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw Jr. if he becomes a first-round pick. Rakestraw may potentially land at No. 29 overall. Ballentine agreed it makes sense because there are things to like about the Missouri cornerback.
Even Cory Giddings from Bleacher Report lauded Rakestraw for his “quick feet” and “smooth hips.”
However, Bleacher Report believes that the concerns outweigh the benefits.
“For one, Giddings noted that Rakestraw has a tendency to “get too handsy,” which can lead to pass interference calls,” Ballentine said. “That might be even more obvious in the NFL, where he will face larger receivers on a regular basis.
“Overall, Rakestraw may be limited to the slot only. That is hardly an ideal outcome for a first-round choice.”
The Lions do not need another slot cornerback. Last year, they selected cornerback Brian Branch in the second round, and he had an excellent rookie season playing in the slot.
Detroit signed free agent Amik Robertson at outside cornerback and traded for Carlton Davis this offseason. But neither is signed beyond 2025.
The Lions might sign Davis to a long-term contract extension. However, if Detroit selects a cornerback in the first round this year, the plan is for him to develop into an outside starter.
Ballentine questions Rakestraw’s ability to be that guy.
Other Potential CB Targets for the Lions
Just because Ballentine advised Detroit not to choose Rakestraw does not mean he has completely ruled out cornerback for the Lions at No. 29.
Instead of Rakestraw, Ballentine believes the Lions should look into cornerbacks Khyree Jackson or T.J. Tampa.
Jackson recorded three interceptions and seven pass defenses for Oregon last season. In 2023, Tampa recorded two interceptions and seven pass defenses for Iowa State.
Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry might be another option for the Lions at No. 29. According to ESPN and PFF’s consensus rankings, McKinstry is ranked anywhere between No.26-28 among all prospects.
The Lions might potentially wait until Day 2 to draft a cornerback. In a February 23 mock draft, CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli predicted that the Lions will select Michigan’s Mike Sainristil at No. 29 overall.
It seems unlikely that Sainristil will be taken in the first round, but the Lions may consider him in the second or third round.
It’s worth noting, however, that ESPN has Rakestraw ranked higher than all of those players except McKinstry in its cornerback rankings. PFF ranks McKinstry and Sainristil higher of Rakestraw, but not Jackson or Tampa.
The lingering question is what the Lions’ 2024 cornerback rankings will look like.
Dave Holcomb is an NFL and MLB reporter for Heavy.com, focusing on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions. Holcomb is originally from Pittsburgh and has written about collegiate and professional sports for Fansided, Rotowire, and Yardbarker. More on Dave Holcomb.
