Ennis Rakestraw sounds just like Amon-Ra St. Brown after draft snub
By Max DeMara
Coming into the 2024 NFL Draft, many believed Ennis Rakestraw would be a first round prospect. That didn't happen, and he fell.
As the selection was announced at pick No. 61 for the Detroit Lions, Rakestraw appeared happy to finally have a team, but muted in his reaction. That could have led some to think he was frustrated with his destination. Just the opposite was true, though.
Rakestraw clarified what he was feeling with a post on Twitter.
To Describe my reaction I’m excited just I felt 60 people weren’t better. At the end of the day there was going to be 31 teams I hate and 1 I loved. glad it’s the #Lions https://t.co/nhRzN5YzSf
— Ennis Rakestraw Jr (@EnnisRakestraw) April 27, 2024
The Lions have made a habit of grabbing overlooked players much like Rakestraw. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown comes to mind. St. Brown can famously name every receiver picked in front of him in the 2021 NFL Draft. He didn't feel he should have lasted until the fourth round, but decided to outwork everyone enroute to becoming one of the NFL's top young receivers.
With his reaction, it's clear Rakestraw is built the same way.
Ennis Rakestraw revealed as a second round steal from 2024 NFL Draft
The frustration over slipping might have been real for Rakestraw in the moment, but as time has passed, it is becoming clear that his selection was a major win for the Lions as they look to remake their secondary.
ESPN's Field Yates went about identifying the biggest steals in each round of the draft (subscription required). The Lions made an appearance three times, but the earliest was Rakestraw in the second round.
"Rakestraw was one of the best value picks relative to my board in the first three rounds of the draft, as my 32nd-ranked player landed at No. 61. Rakestraw is a fearless, tone-setting corner who brings a ton of physicality to the field, is a factor against the run and makes plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. I love how Detroit has remade its cornerback room, signing Carlton Davis III and drafting both Terrion Arnold and Rakestraw in the first two rounds."
Much like St. Brown in 2021, Rakestraw will come to the Lions highly motivated. The team is surely hoping it goes as well the second time around.
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