Ennis Rakestraw Jr. didn’t have the rookie season he hoped for — but that might just make his comeback even sweeter.
After injuries sidelined him for most of 2024, the second-year cornerback is now healthy and taking full advantage of spring practices in Allen Park. With fellow young CB Terrion Arnold not participating in OTAs, Rakestraw has been running with the first team opposite veteran D.J. Reed — and he’s been turning heads.
Head coach Dan Campbell took notice. “He’s going to have a chance to compete,” Campbell said. “We’re going to play the best guy. He had a good spring.”
The Lions drafted Rakestraw in the second round last year after taking Arnold in the first. GM Brad Holmes had both high on his board, but injuries derailed Rakestraw’s rookie campaign before it ever got started. He was limited in the spring, suffered a hamstring injury early in the season, and was eventually placed on injured reserve.
Now, Rakestraw is focused on one thing — staying available.
“Last year, I felt like I wasn’t available for the most part, and that kind of made me mad and disappointed,” he said after the final OTA practice Thursday — which also happened to be his 23rd birthday.
His birthday wish for next year? “I want to look you all face to face and say I did something to help this team win.”
With a healthy offseason and a renewed mindset, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. looks ready to compete — and maybe even contribute in a big way in 2025.
Healthy and Hungry: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Aims to Prove He Belongs in 2025
