The Detroit Lions are building a potential juggernaut on defense, thanks in large part to drafted and homegrown talent.
Pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson is the obvious centerpiece, after posting 21 sacks over his first two seasons while emerging as an absolute game-wrecker, meanwhile, safety Brian Branch made an immediate impact as a rookie last season and former Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold figures to do the same in his rookie campaign this fall.
However, Arnold and Branch aren’t the only young Lions primed to wreak havoc in Detroit’s secondary this season and beyond.
Detroit Lions CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Named Rookie to Watch
General manager Brad Holmes and the Lions made a clear commitment to upgrade the secondary by rounding back and selecting Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round after plucking Arnold at No. 24.
According to Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema, Rakestraw has much to prove in the Lions’ preseason opener against the New York Giants.
“First-round cornerback Terrion Arnold got a lot of hype on draft weekend,” Sikkema points out for PFF. “But, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. could play a big role, too. With as many veterans as Detroit now has in its secondary, we weren’t sure how early Rakestraw would get on the field. But a strong showing in the preseason might make it tough to keep him out of the rotation this season. He earned a 96th-percentile PFF coverage grade on the outside in 2023.”
Rakestraw and Arnold have the potential to be a formidable duo, and both will face a daunting first test against New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers who has turned in an impressive training camp including a dominant stretch against Detroit’s secondary during joint practices this week.
For More Football News:
Follow Matt Lombardo on Threads at @MattLombardoNFL. To read more of our articles and in-depth NFL coverage, click here.
