By Moses Joshua 
After an injury-riddled debut, the Lions’ second-round pick vows a stronger comeback.
A Frustrating Start for the Promising Rookie
The Detroit Lions’ defense endured a tough 2024 season, plagued by injuries to key players. Rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was no exception, as a series of setbacks derailed what could have been a breakout year for the second-round draft pick.
During a locker room cleanout earlier this week, Rakestraw revealed that an untimely injury altered the course of his season before it even began. “A lot of people didn’t know that,” Rakestraw said, reflecting on the plan for him to start as the Lions’ nickel cornerback in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “I got hurt in warm-ups. So, it was kind of a setback and step back.”
The hamstring injury not only cost him his debut as a starter but also opened the door for veteran Amik Robertson to secure the nickel corner role, leaving Rakestraw struggling to find his footing upon returning. The rookie ultimately missed nine games and logged just 46 defensive snaps all season.
Using Adversity as Motivation
Despite the frustrating start to his NFL career, Rakestraw is not dwelling on what could have been. Instead, he’s channeling the challenges of his rookie year into fuel for a stronger 2025 campaign.
“This just brings me back to my roots of everybody doubting me and not believing that a kid from West Dallas can do this,” Rakestraw declared. “I’m just appreciative that they gave me my fire back. I’ll use it in the offseason. I’ll be better, I promise.”
Rakestraw’s rookie season was marred by injuries, including a nagging hamstring issue and the sports hernia surgery that cut short his senior season at Missouri. However, he remains focused on staying healthy and earning a more prominent role in Detroit’s secondary next season.
Eyeing a Bigger Role in 2025
The Lions’ secondary could see significant changes this offseason, with veteran Carlton Davis III entering free agency. If Davis departs, Robertson may shift to an outside corner role, potentially leaving Rakestraw to compete for the nickel corner position.
Rakestraw plans to train with teammates Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, and fellow rookie Terrion Arnold this offseason, preparing himself for what he hopes will be a breakthrough year. “Every situation that came to me, ask anybody in the training room, anybody in the building, I took it under the chin and kept going,” Rakestraw said. “Now, let’s develop a new habit, new body, and be available. That’s all I can do.”
While his rookie season may not have gone as planned, Rakestraw’s resilience and determination suggest he could become a key player in the Lions’ defensive backfield. If his bold promise is any indication, Rakestraw is ready to turn the lessons of 2024 into a launching pad for 2025.