The Detroit Lions were hit hard by injuries during the 2024 season. The defense took the brunt of it, with numerous players sidelined, especially late in the year. These injuries didn’t just hurt the team’s performance—they also kept Detroit from fully assessing its younger talent.

One of those younger players was Ennis Rakestraw, Jr. Drafted in the second round, the promising cornerback had what amounted to a redshirt season. A hamstring injury before Week 2 lingered all year, limiting his playing time as a rookie. He appeared in just six games and logged only 46 snaps on defense.

Despite the rough start, the Lions remain optimistic about the Missouri product. GM Brad Holmes has stated that both Terrion Arnold and Rakestraw were their favorite cornerbacks in the draft, which speaks volumes about how highly they rated him.

Rakestraw has reportedly looked strong during OTAs this offseason. He was named among the early standouts at camp, fueling speculation that a breakout season could be coming. However, head coach Dan Campbell offered a more measured take when asked about Rakestraw’s progress.

Campbell said Rakestraw will “have a chance to compete” and “if he’s the best guy, he’ll play.” While not a harsh statement, it stood out because Campbell was much more effusive in his praise of other players during the same press session.

Another noteworthy point: Campbell confirmed they’ll be keeping Rakestraw on the outside. That raised eyebrows, as many thought Rakestraw would see action primarily in the slot. With Arnold and D.J. Reed manning the boundary, it’ll be tough for him to crack the lineup there.

Rakestraw mainly played special teams during his rookie campaign. Though early offseason buzz hinted at a bigger defensive role in Year 2, Campbell’s comments suggest the 23-year-old’s exact role in 2025 remains uncertain.