Get to know Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., the Lions' second-round draft pick

The Lions doubled up on cornerback help with their second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting Missouri's Ennis Rakestraw Jr. with the 61st pick on Friday night.

Rakestraw (5-foot-11, 183 pounds) has a similar profile to Alabama's Terrion Arnold, who the Lions selected with the 24th pick on Thursday, but without the ball production in coverage. Rakestraw possesses scheme versatility but is arguably stronger in press-man coverage. Rakestraw has been widely praised for his ability in run support.

Rakestraw played nine games in 2023 while missing four with a groin injury. He was credited with 21 tackles and 10 run stops. In coverage, Rakestraw — a three-year starter at Missouri — allowed 18 receptions on 28 targets for 197 yards and one touchdown. He had no interceptions and two pass breakups.

Like Arnold, Rakestraw took a little more than a quarter of his defensive snaps from the slot.

As draft season continued, Rakestraw was a popular option for the Lions to end the first round. After Rakestraw's selection, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said the Lions got two of the top-five cornerbacks in the draft. Rakestraw was the No. 32 player on Jeremiah's board and his fifth-ranked corner. Rakestraw is the No. 7 corner of The Athletic's Dane Brugler.

The Ennis Rakestraw File

Birthplace: West Dallas, Texas

High school: Duncanville High

College: Missouri

College major: Parks, recreation, sports and tourism (graduated 2023)

2023 stats: Nine games played, 21 tackles, 28 targets in coverage, 18 receptions

Accolades: 2024 Senior Bowl; SEC Academic Honor Roll (2021-23)

Quotable: "He is physical in press coverage, and he stays attached underneath and vertically. He is a loose athlete who can flip his hips smoothly. He does a nice job staying on top of deep routes, and he can locate the ball. I'd like to see him do a better job of finishing with the ball instead of simply poking it away. He is awesome against the run; not only is he quick to key/read, but he attacks blockers, including offensive linemen. … He is always bouncing around; his energy is palpable through the screen. Overall, players with this profile at this position traditionally translate very well to the next level," Jeremiah said.

Said Brugler in his annual draft guide, The Beast: "Rakestraw doesn’t have the desired long speed or build for his position, and his injury history is a concern, but he plays aggressive, sticky coverage with NFL-quality movement skills and confidence. He has NFL starting mancover talent, if he stays healthy."

Combine measurements

Hand: 8½ inches

Arm: 32 inches

Wingspan: 75⅝ inches

40-yard dash: 4.51 (tied-23rd of 29 cornerbacks); 2.59

Broad jump: 10 feet (22nd out of 26)

nbianchi@detroitnews.com

@nolanbianchi