W.G. Brady
The First Detroit Lions Rookie Minicamp Practice Took Place on Friday
During the Detroit Lions‘ first day of rookie minicamp, second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. out of Missouri had a somewhat limited but notable performance. As he continues recovering from offseason core muscle surgery, Rakestraw’s participation was deliberately restricted to ensure a full recovery. Despite these limitations, his brief appearance on the field was enough to leave an impression on both the coaching staff and observers.
Limited Participation, Unlimited Potential
Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit noted that Ennis Rakestraw was primarily seen playing at the nickel position during the limited team drills he participated in, which included an 11-on-11 session without any passing. This setup made it difficult to thoroughly assess his coverage skills. However, Rakestraw demonstrated his versatility by displaying promising blitzing skills and executing at least one tackle for loss during these drills, despite the non-contact nature of the camp.
Rakestraw himself acknowledged the cautious approach to his participation, emphasizing his readiness but agreeing with the team’s decision to ensure his complete recovery. “I’m fine from my injury,” Rakestraw assured, “They just still want to—I tell them I’m fine, but they want to 100% know I’m fine, so I’ma stick to their plan moving forward.”
Technical Skills Stand Out
Jeff Risdon of Detroit Lions Wire pointed out that while Ennis Rakestraw’s day on the field was cut short, his technical skills in coverage drills were particularly striking. Risdon praised Rakestraw’s hip flip and transition footwork, stating they are already among the best on the Lions, which includes veterans. His effortless change of direction and balance underscore his potential to make a significant impact in the Lions’ secondary once fully healthy.
Risdon also commented on Rakestraw’s physical stature, observing that he appeared slightly smaller compared to his peers, especially when compared with fellow rookie Terrion Arnold. This size difference could be something to watch as Rakestraw adapts to the physical demands of the NFL.
Special Attention from the Coaching Staff
It’s also noteworthy that Rakestraw received considerable attention from the Lions’ defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, during the practice. This could indicate the coaching staff’s interest in quickly integrating him into the team’s defensive schemes and their anticipation of his contributions once he’s cleared for more active participation.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Limited Practice, Big Potential: Despite participating minimally in rookie minicamp due to recovery from offseason surgery, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. displayed promising skills in the limited action he saw, focusing on position-specific drills and showing effective blitzing capabilities.
- Impressive Technical Skills: Rakestraw’s exceptional footwork and ability to change direction quickly stood out, even among seasoned players, positioning him as a potentially key player in the Lions’ defensive strategy.
- Focused Attention from Coaches: Rakestraw garnered significant attention from defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, highlighting the coaching staff’s interest in his rapid development and integration into the team’s defensive plans.
Moving Forward
As the Detroit Lions continue their rookie minicamp and head into the upcoming training camp, Ennis Rakestraw Jr.’s development will be closely monitored. His ability to recover fully from surgery and adapt to the physical and technical demands of the NFL will be crucial for his success and contribution to the Lions’ defense in the 2024 season. Rakestraw’s journey from Missouri to the professional stage holds promise, and the Lions are optimistic about his future as part of their defensive arsenal.
