Ennis Rakestraw Jr. shines bright in preseason debut

With the NFL season just weeks away and training camps in full swing, preseason football returned this past week. The Detroit Lions were one of the first teams to take the field, facing off against the New York Giants on Thursday night. Although the Lions came up short, fans got their first look at Ennis Rakestraw Jr., the Lions' 61st overall pick in this year's draft, making his debut.

Rakestraw played a pivotal role in changing the trajectory of Missouri's football program, being one of the first high-profile recruits landed by Eliah Drinkwitz. He will always have a home in Columbia, and Tigers fans will continue to support him throughout his entire NFL journey.

The 5-foot-11 cornerback is incredibly talented and is eager to showcase his potential in Detroit. In his preseason debut on Thursday night, Rakestraw demonstrated his full potential. Over 25 coverage snaps, he was targeted just twice, allowing zero yards and earning an impressive 81.7 PFF coverage grade. This stat line is a strong indication of his capabilities, as he delivered a lockdown performance in his first preseason game.

Rakestraw Jr. is a native of West Dallas, Texas, where he attended Duncanville High School. As a three-star cornerback, he played a key role in leading his team to a 15-1 record, with their only loss coming in the state championship game. After committing to Mizzou, the rest was history.

As a freshman in 2020, Rakestraw started 10 games at cornerback, recording 24 tackles and a team-high six pass breakups. He became the first true freshman to start at Mizzou since Jordan Ulmer in 2017.

Unfortunately for Rakestraw, his sophomore campaign didn't go as planned, as he suffered a season-ending injury after just four weeks. However, after being granted a redshirt, Rakestraw immediately got to work, focusing on his recovery and preparation for the 2022 season.

As a redshirt sophomore, he was outstanding, starting all 13 games for the Tigers. Rakestraw finished the season with 35 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. Additionally, he recorded 12 pass breakups, showcasing his exceptional coverage abilities.

Rakestraw had a similar campaign in 2023, starting eight of nine games while battling minor injuries. He once again recorded 35 tackles and began attracting attention from NFL scouts. Though it was disappointing that he had to miss the bowl game, the time off allowed him to get his body ready for the upcoming NFL Combine and draft process.

Rakestraw was projected to be a first or second-round pick, and at the combine, he showcased his excellent lateral movement and agility. Known for his strong coverage skills, if he can continue to improve his tackling, there will be nothing holding him back from achieving greatness in the NFL.

When Rakestraw fell to pick No. 61, the Detroit Lions may have had a blessing fall into their lap. He’s joining a winning organization and will look to make an immediate impact on their defense. Rakestraw fits the mold of what Dan Campbell wants in a player—someone dedicated to outworking the competition and bringing the toughness that Rakestraw embodies.