The Detroit Lions have used several resources this offseason to address cornerback. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Lions add another cornerback, though, in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. But if they do, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine argued it shouldn’t be Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Ballentine named Rakestraw the one prospect the Lions should avoid in the 2024 NFL draft.
Ballentine wrote that if Rakestraw becomes a first-round pick, landing with the Lions at No. 29 overall is a strong possibility. Ballentine admitted that makes sense because there are traits to like about the Missouri cornerback.
Even Bleacher Report’s Cory Giddings praised Rakestraw for his “quick feet” and “smooth hips.”
But according to Bleacher Report, the concerns outweigh the positives.
“For one, Giddings noted that Rakestraw has a tendency to “get too handsy,” which can lead to pass interference calls,” Ballentine wrote. “That could be even more pronounced in the NFL, where he’s going to face bigger receivers on a regular basis.
“Overall, Rakestraw eventually might be limited to the slot only. That’s not a great outcome for a first-round pick.”
The Lions don’t need another slot cornerback. Last year, they drafted cornerback Brian Branch in the second round, and he had a very solid rookie season playing in the slot.
At outside cornerback, Detroit signed Amik Robertson in free agency and traded for Carlton Davis this offseason. But neither is signed beyond 2025.
The Lions could sign Davis to a long-term extension. But if Detroit targets a cornerback in the first round this year, it will be with the intention that he develops into an outside starter.
Ballentine doubts Rakestraw can be that guy.
