Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is among the most competitive and scheme-versatile defensive prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Rakestraw Jr. broke out of his shell in 2023 as one of the nation's best-performing cornerbacks. The West Dallas, Texas native is an instinctive, sticky man corner who thrives in press-man coverage. Rakestraw Jr. loves to challenge opposing pass catchers at the line of scrimmage.
Rakestraw Jr. participated in this year's NFL Combine and ran a 4.51 40 and had a 10-foot broad jump at Lucas Oil Stadium. Rakestraw Jr. is a potential first-round selection. We've identified three ideal team fits for his services.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman must continue revamping his underwhelming secondary by adding ascending talent to the roster. Philadelphia's secondary (the entire defense, really) imploded down the stretch of the 2023 campaign with head coach Nick Sirianni going as far as to replace defensive coordinator Sean Desai with Matt Patricia midseason. The final result was a 31st-ranked pass defense that allowed 252.7 pass yards per game and a premature postseason exit.
Underperforming veterans were a big part of the problem. Roseman released safety Kevin Byard earlier this offseason, but not enough has been done at corner. As things stand, Darius Slay and James Bradberry are slated to return as starters. Bradberry was a particular weakness and should face competition for his role from a draft pick. Kelee Ringo and Josh Jobe are the young players on the roster. Drafting Rakestraw Jr. would help incite the much-needed makeover.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Chiefs traded superstar cornerback L'Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans over the weekend. Sneed, their No. 1 corner, was dissatisfied with the terms of his contract after receiving the franchise tag. Unable to sign Sneed to the lucrative extension he desired due to difficulties against the salary cap, general manager Brett Veach admitted defeat by sending Sneed to Nashville in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2024 seventh-round swap.
Sneed's departure could get Veach considering a cornerback with the No. 32 overall selection. Many have penciled in a receiver at that position, but Patrick Mahomes elevates the talent he has—perhaps a receiver could be drafted at No. 64 considering it's a deep class. The need at cornerback may take center stage. Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Joshua Williams are now Kansas City's top three corners. There's room for a draft pick to compete for snaps.
DETROIT LIONS
The Lions are emphasizing improving their cornerbacks this offseason after allowing a 27th-ranked 247.4 pass yards per game last season. An inability to stop the bleeding through the air partially led to their demise in the NFC Championship Game. Lions general manager Brad Holmes is responding accordingly.
Carlton Davis III was acquired via trade, but there's wiggle room for another acquisition. Cam Sutton, who played a defense-high 1,077 snaps last season, was released from his contract after a run-in with the law. Sutton's unexpected release creates another hole for Detroit in the defensive backfield. Adding Rakestraw Jr. to a core that features Davis III and Emmanuel Moseley would be a step in the right direction.
