ER #2

Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

Cornerback · Missouri

Detroit's second-round cornerback out of Missouri, a physical press-man corner working back from a 2025 shoulder injury.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is a cornerback the Lions viewed as one of the top defensive backs in the 2024 draft class, taking him 61st overall out of Missouri. Known for his competitiveness and press-man coverage skills, his early NFL career has been slowed by injuries after a torn ACL cut short his college sophomore season.

★ Second-round pick (61st overall, 2024) out of Missouri

★ Highest-drafted player Detroit has ever selected out of Missouri

★ Three-year starter with 107 career tackles at Missouri

Path to the league

Rakestraw started all 10 games as a freshman at Missouri in 2020, then tore his ACL four games into his 2021 sophomore season. He returned in 2022 to start all 13 games with 35 tackles and an interception, then closed his college career in 2023 with 35 tackles and four passes defended over four seasons as a three-year starter. The Lions selected him in the second round, 61st overall, in 2024, with general manager Brad Holmes calling him one of the most competitive players he had scouted.

Career highlights

Over four seasons at Missouri, Rakestraw totaled 107 tackles, 24 pass deflections, three forced fumbles and an interception, establishing himself as a versatile corner capable of playing outside or in the slot in both man and zone schemes. He became the highest-drafted player Detroit has ever selected out of Missouri.

2025 season recap

Rakestraw's 2025 season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on August 7 following shoulder surgery, limiting him to a minimal role as he works toward a return.