Here’s a pre-draft writeup on Rakestraw. I always dig this dudes content. He’s usually pretty spot on in his analysis. Credit u/thunderblessed63
“Rakestraw has been a huge piece to Missouri’s 11-2 success this past season. He stepped in as a true freshman starter back in 2020, then tore his ACL in 2021, and has otherwise started almost every game since then, other than a few games he was limited with a groin this past fall. Started a total of 34 games at Missouri.
STRENGTHS
- Rakestraw is a tone setter for the defense, a rare find at the cornerback position. Much like Witherspoon last year, he leads the way with physicality and intensity in his approach to the game. Very active in the run game, and a consistent tackler.
- Very twitchy player, with excellent short-area burst, quick to trigger downhill or break on the ball. Has a ton of snaps on film where he closes the gap to breakup passes very quickly.
- Really good balance and feet in his backpedal and particularly in press. He operates his hands and feet independently, so can stay in good shape to press then open and turn.
- Hips and overall agility and fluidity are very high. He plays a lot more comfortably from an athletic standpoint than the 7.18 RAS he scored from his Combine and Pro Day.
WEAKNESSES
- Torn ACL in 2021 plus a few games missed in 2023 with a groin injury gives some durability concerns. He’s also a very violent player but not terribly big, which furthers some of the concern.
- Definitely plays too handsy at the moment, and is going to take some penalties early to corral his hands, which he flings at dudes regularly.
- Lack of interceptions/ball hawking nature is somewhat noteworthy. One interception over a few seasons of starting experience. He swats some balls, but rarely is a turnover generator.
FIT WITH THE LIONS
Rakestraw at this point is my top choice for the Lions with the 29th pick now that they’ve covered immediate needs at guard. For those who loved Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon last year, take a guess at who Rick Spielman, brother of Lions advisor Chris, compares Rakestraw to in his interview with him? You nailed it. Devon Witherspoon. And honestly, I think the comparison is quite apt. Both are firery cornerbacks who play with elite burst, fluidity, and physicality. He’s a near flawless fit for the field cornerback role, combining the best of what the Lions want in both the fluidity and coverage ability, plus the ability to attack receivers with physicality at the line of scrimmage.
The other thing I loved about Rakestraw’s game is that he stepped up in big time matchups. His best game this past season came against LSU, which boasts two first-round picks at wide receiver in that matchup. He’s fearless and really a nicely polished player. However, he’s not without issue or concern, evident by the reality that Detroit would be picking him 29th, not first or anything like that. Those are that he’s too handsy at times, and is also a bit of a face guarder, meaning some early PI penalties are going to come his way, and I think there’s some concern over his slighter frame and physical style, but injuries remain hard to project.
From an X’s and O’s standpoint, Rakestraw’s the best fit scheme wise of any prospect I have scouted to this point. He’s physical and fluid in press coverage up top, and even when dropping into Cover 3 (the Lions most common coverage), he’s got very good eyes, and trusts his instincts. He shows good range there as well, able to cover large swaths of his side of the field and carry receivers deep. I think he is best bet of this crew to become a Detroit Lion, and I have him currently as the 13th best player in this class. Again, feel free to take things with a grain of salt, my natural position is OL so CB is a different world in many ways. But I am beyond sold on Ennis Rakestraw…”
(Note: Arnold wasn’t among the analysis because the assumption that he wouldn’t be available)
