The Detroit Lions made yet another addition to their cornerbacks room in the 2024 NFL Draft when they selected Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
On the surface, the pick was surprising considering how much the Lions have invested in the position this offseason, which included trading up to draft Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in Round 1.
But when you add in the context that general manager Brad Holmes sticks to his board instead of forcing a pick out of immediate need, it isn't all that surprising.
And that's exactly what Holmes talked about when asked about the selection shortly after. Holmes said the Lions had Rakestraw as their highest-graded player available when they were on the clock. In fact, Rakestraw was his second-ranked cornerback in the entire draft.
Brad Holmes says he didn't think CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. would be there at 61. Didn't go into the draft expecting to draft two corners, but...
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) April 27, 2024
"He was the highest-graded guy for us at the time. You know how we roll."
Says Arnold and Rakestraw were his top corners in the draft.
With the addition of Rakestraw, the Lions' cornerbacks room will have no shortage of competition ahead of the 2024 campaign. Holmes aptly described Detroit's situation at the position as a "bloodbath."
Brad Holmes calls the upcoming competition in the cornerback room a "bloodbath."
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) April 27, 2024
As if his post-draft presser couldn't get any better, Holmes was donning an awesome hoodie that had "Positional Villain" written on it.
“POSITIONAL VILLAIN” pic.twitter.com/YgucNT3ejk
— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) April 27, 2024
How things ultimately shake out with the secondary remains to be seen, but defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will have no shortage of options to roll with in what is now a deep and versatile group.
