Detroit Lions' Ennis Rakestraw becoming a turnover machine in training camp

Mike Moraitis

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Detroit Lions' Ennis Rakestraw becoming a turnover machine in training camp image

It was tough to know what to expect from Detroit Lions 2024 second-round pick and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. going into training camp after the rookie didn't fully participate in spring practices with the team wanting to ease him in following offseason surgery.

But so far, Rakestraw has been as good as the Lions could have possibly hoped for. He has routinely been standing out over the first week-plus of training camp and  has become a turnover machine.

Rakestraw has tallied a total of three interceptions this week alone. The first one came during the team's second padded practice of camp on Tuesday, and it was Detroit's first pick of camp entirely.

After tallying his second pick on Thursday, Rakestraw was back at it once again on Friday with his latest interception.

We should note that Rakestraw has had a few near-interceptions during camp, also, and he recorded a forced fumble at an earlier practice.

Rakestraw was already displaying impressive physicality, but now he's showing he has a nose for the football, also.

"It gives me a lot of confidence, just showing that I'm doing the right things and the older guys can trust me a little bit more," Rakestraw said after practice on Monday. "It was the first one, so that was big for me. Just gotta keep stacking days."

With the Lions seemingly intent on moving Brian Branch to safety in 2024, and with Terrion Arnold likely to start on the boundary opposite Carlton Davis in his first season, Rakestraw's best chance at significant snaps will come in the slot, where veteran Amik Robertson is also vying for a role.

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.