The Detroit Lions didn't get to see much from rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. during the offseason program after the second-round pick was eased in during the offseason program.
But they've seen plenty of him since the starting of training camp, and he has come on particularly strong over the first few padded practices.
On Tuesday, Rakestraw recorded the first interception of training camp thus far, with the rookie picking off a pass from quarterback Hendon Hooker. He almost had a second on a pass from Nate Sudfeld.
"It was another strong day for Ennis Rakestraw, who set an impressive tone with his physicality during the first padded practice Monday," SI's John Maakaron wrote. "In addition to his interception against Hooker, he nearly had another one working against Sudfeld in the second team."
After practice, fellow rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold heaped praise on Rakestraw and credited him with setting the tone on defense.
"In case anyone was wondering, Ennis had the first pick of camp," Arnold said. "So, he had a great practice. But, yeah, Ennis set the tone today, and they came in bunches. So, we had a very productive day because of Ennis."
"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 of his showing at practice. "It was the first one, so that was big for me. Just gotta keep stacking days."
With last year's slot cornerback Brian Branch figuring to work more at safety this year, that leaves snaps in the slot up for grabs. Rakestraw is one of the players who will vie for those snaps, along with veteran Amik Robertson.
So far, Rakestraw appears to be putting himself in position to earn a role in his first year, whatever that may be.
