Going into rookie minicamp, the expectation was that the Detroit Lions would limit second-round pick and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. as he works his way back from injury.
The Missouri product had core muscle surgery earlier this offseason that prevented him from taking part at the Senior Bowl, and he was slowed due to injury at his pro day in March.
The Lions did as they were expected and had Rakestraw limited on Day 1 of rookie minicamp on Friday, but he did see some action in the slot before calling it a day.
"That’s just the plan they already had set for me," Rakestraw said, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. "I was trying to go, but they was like, 'Nah, you trying to exceed your reps we already had for you.' But what I got to do a great job of is sticking to the plan. They’ve been here, they’ve got a ton of experience and just keep it like that."
As it turns out, the Lions are just being cautious with their 2024 pick, as opposed to it being a case of Rakestraw just not being 100%. The rookie says he's feeling fine overall.
"I feel fine from my injury, they just still want — I tell them I'm fine but they want to 100% know I’m fine so I’m going to stick to their plan moving forward," he said.
As far as his reps at slot cornerback go, Rakestraw said he is more than comfortable there after seeing time both inside and out during his college days. And, while it isn't known where Detroit views him ultimately landing, he thinks it's probably in the slot.
"That’s how I played my freshman year as a starter, I started nickel and then I started at corner, so to me that’s just my home," Rakestraw said.
"I mean, I started first day (in the slot), so that’s probably big picture probably maybe, but it don’t matter where I play. I just want to play and be a part," he added.
The only problem with Rakestraw finding a role in the slot is the Lions already have a very good player there in Brian Branch, but the possibility remains that he could see more time at safety in 2024, which would pave the way for Rakestraw to play at the nickel, assuming he can earn the job in Year 1.
