The Detroit Lions made a somewhat surprising pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft when they took yet another cornerback, Missouri's Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
The pick would be a shock if you don't know Lions general manager Brad Holmes, as the Lions had not only drafted a cornerback in Round 1 in Terrion Arnold, they traded up to get him. And, before that, Detroit invested in the position with the trade for Carlton Davis, the re-signing of Emmanuel Moseley and the free-agent addition of Amik Robertson.
But this isn't a shock to those of us who know Holmes well. The Lions general manager sticks to his board, regardless of the priority of needs. And, as he said following the selection, Rakestraw was not only the highest-graded player on his board in that spot, he was Holmes' second-best cornerback in the entire draft.
"He was the highest-graded guy for us at the time," he said. "You know how we roll."
I didn't let Holmes' rigid approach impact my grade (B) all that much, especially considering Rakestraw could help the Lions fill another need if he can play in the slot and allow Brian Branch to move to safety, or if he can play outside and allow someone else in the room to move inside. At the very least, he gives Detroit more depth.
Here's what experts thought of the pick:
Lions 2024 NFL Draft Grades
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: A+
The Lions get another dynamic cover man to rebuild their cornerback again after jumping on Terrion Arnold in the first round. They targeted Rakestraw as an ideal fit for Aaron Glenn’s coverage scheme.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: B+
Detroit follows up its first-round selection of Terrion Arnold with another aggressive cornerback. Few would have blinked had the Lions gone this route on Day 1, and Rakestraw's tackling should earn him the admiration of Dan Campbell. No more excuses for this secondary to underachieve.
Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports: B
The Lions' run on cornerbacks continues with Rakestraw coming into the fold. Adding him with Terrion Arnold and Carlton Davis gives the Lions and lot of playmaking at cornerback. Rakestraw isn't the biggest or fastest guy, but he can play.
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: A
The Lions have done an exceptional job revamping their secondary this offseason. Detroit traded for Carlton Davis III prior to the draft, then traded up in the first round to select Terrion Arnold in the first round. Rakestraw gives them yet another upgrade.
Pro Football Focus: Very good
The Lions continue to rebuild a defense that ranked 30th in coverage grade in 2023. Rakestraw, the 46th-ranked player on the PFF big board, is a physical cornerback who excels in zone coverage. He posted an 85.2 PFF zone coverage grade in 2023. The Lions have completely revamped their cornerback room in just one offseason.
Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated: A
After taking Terrion Arnold in the first round, the Lions doubled down on the secondary with Rakestraw, a prospect some thought would go in the first round. Detroit is wisely remaking its perimeter coverage.
Chippy, in-your-face inside-out cornerback with good, not great athletic gifts. Plant-and-drive skills can be borderline special. Hit or miss as a tackler but the hits are huge thumping hits. Reasonable ball skills and will play the football aggressively. Size and length a concern.
Ian Valentino, The 33rd Team: B+
Often ranked much higher than where he was taken, Ennis Rakestraw is a tremendous athlete. He's perfectly built to match up against quick and fast receivers. Plus, Detroit's cornerback room was still lacking.
