The Detroit Lions have already been linked to several of the top cornerbacks in the 2024 draft class by draft analysts. However, the process is still somewhat lengthy, so there will inevitably be prospects that rise and fall on draft boards. In his most recent NFL mock draft, Vinnie Iyer of Sports News linked the Lions to Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., one of those emerging prospects.
“In the NFC championship game against the 49ers, the Lions’ significant problems with downfield cornerback coverage finally burned them for good,” Iyer wrote. Aaron Glenn will find Rakestraw, a developing prospect worth keeping an eye on during the pre-draft process, appealing due to his physical, aggressive, and courageous man-to-man coverage.
As a senior at Missouri in 2023, Rakestraw recorded 35 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 4 pass defences. He made one forced fumble as well.
How Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Could Fit With the Detroit Lions
There doesn’t seem to be a consensus rating among cornerbacks expected to be available in the 2024 NFL draft, at least not yet this summer.
Nate Wiggins of Clemson is ranked as the best cornerback in the class by the NFL draft analysts on ESPN. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com, however, ranks Wiggins as his No. 5 cornerback.
Given the lack of consistency at the position, a talent like Rakestraw may be able to advance in the draft rankings with impressive offseason play.
However, a few specialists already view him as a prime target. Just three cornerbacks were rated among Jeremiah’s top 25 prospects for the class. Among them was Rakestraw.
Jeremiah described Rastraw as a rangy, agile cornerback who plays with guts and intensity. In news coverage, he is tangible and remains affixed both vertically and beneath.
“Players at this position with this profile typically translate very well to the next level overall.”
Rakestraw is the fifth-ranked cornerback in the class according to ESPN. He is ranked No. 6 by Pro Football Focus, but 27th overall in the draft.
Other Potential Cornerback Draft Targets for the Lions
Rakestraw seems to be a perfect fit for the Lions, just as Iyer said. If Detroit is determined to pursue a cornerback, it isn’t the Missouri prospect or a bust.
Though there might not be a unanimous choice for the best cornerback in 2024, several draft experts seem to have high expectations for the group as a whole. Seven cornerbacks are ranked in the top 32 players in the class by PFF.
This offseason, Wiggins has also been a well-liked pick by the Lions in mock drafts.
Moreover, Detroit has been connected to a number of edge rushers.
Strangely, in his mock selection on February 5, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein selected Missouri defensive tackle Darius Robinson, Rakestraw’s teammate, for the Lions.
Additionally, the Lions were reportedly considering Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson, according to NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks. The Athletic recently published two mock drafts in which the Lions selected defensive linemen as well.
That makes sense considering that the Lions’ top need heading into the offseason is pass defence. In 2023, Detroit tied for 29th place in net passing yards allowed per attempt and ended 27th in passing yards allowed.
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