Post by D6 on Apr 25, 2024 15:56:43 GMT -5
Analyst: Rakestraw 'Would Be Perfect Fit' for Lions
Lions draft prospect of the day: Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri
.............
This new thread relates to the following threads:
NFL Draft Preview: Defensive Backs ( 2024 )
detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/2036/draft-preview-defensive-backs-20
Lions have Pick # 29 in the 2024 NFL Draft
detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/2013/lions-pick-2024-nfl-draft
I expressed the following in the 'NFL Draft Preview: Defensive Backs ( 2024 )' thread:
Of the four Day 2 Options that Justin Rogers listed, Ennis Rakestraw Jr is the one who I believe has the best chance of ending up with the Lions somewhere in Round 2. I don't think the Lions are going to select him with Pick # 29, mostly because of his injury history. Size and lack of interceptions (he only had 1 in 36 games with Missouri (though he had 3 forced fumbles) probably will also contribute to the Lions not taking him at # 29. However, in a trade down from # 29, the Lions probably would be at least somewhat more comfortable drafting Rakestraw. I would be surprised if the Lions drafted any of the other 3 CBs in Round 2. Even with Pick # 73, in Round 3, I have doubts the Lions would take any of the other CBs.
If given the choice, I rather the Lions end up with either Missouri CB Kris Abrams-Draine or CB Renardo Green in Round 3 than the Lions taking Ennis Rakestraw Jr in Round 2. Rakestraw has long arms for a CB and is an aggressive run supporter & tackler, but is inconsistent as a tackler. Rakestraw is also prone to penalties in coverage or plays that could easily be flagged. That's probably correctable. Yet, his history of injuries, combined with below average size, and lack of interceptions, are major concerns.
Ennis Rakestraw will probably be drafted somewhere in Round 2. At Pick # 61, in the latter part of Round 2, the risk/ reward with Rakestraw seems even or slightly on the favorable side. Drafting him in the first half of Round 2 seems too risky. With Pick # 29, the risk appears to be much too great.