Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

Career StatsC-

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		8	—	—	6
2025		1	0	0	1
2024		8	0	0	6

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This Rakestraw deal is an absolute steal for Detroit, earning a rare A CVI that reflects exceptional value acquisition in today's inflated cornerback market. Landing a serviceable starter at just $1.8M AAV represents shrewd roster construction, especially when you consider that replacement-level corners routinely command $4-6M annually in free agency. As a young defensive back still developing his ceiling, Rakestraw offers significant upside potential that could transform this contract from great value into highway robbery if he takes the expected leap in his second or third season. The modest $3.4M in guaranteed money provides Detroit with flexibility while still showing enough commitment to secure the player's buy-in. This is exactly the type of savvy, low-risk move that championship-caliber front offices execute — identifying undervalued talent before the market corrects itself. The Lions just locked up four years of productive cornerback play at a price point that will look even more ridiculous as the salary cap continues its relentless climb.

Performance Analysis

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. earns a C- for the Lions at cornerback, a young corner who has been developing nicely in one of the best defenses in football. Rakestraw has shown the technique and competitiveness that made him a draft prospect, and he has held his own when called upon in Detroit's secondary. His ball skills are developing, and he has the length to compete with bigger receivers on the outside. The Lions have built a deep secondary, and Rakestraw is earning a role within it through consistent improvement. If he continues on this trajectory, he could develop into a quality starting corner.

Current Sentiment

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. faces mounting skepticism entering the 2026 season, earning a concerning D- sentiment grade that reflects serious doubts about his NFL trajectory. The former second-round pick has become a cautionary tale about durability, missing 26 of 34 possible games due to injuries including a lost season from shoulder surgery. His complete absence from the stat sheet—zero interceptions and zero pass deflections—combined with Detroit's decision to sign Roger McCreary signals organizational uncertainty about his readiness to contribute. While veteran Rock Ya-Sin has voiced support for Rakestraw's potential and there's acknowledgment his "window is wide open" for 2026, the media narrative centers on whether he can overcome his injury-plagued start to justify his draft capital. The Lions appear to be hedging their bets at cornerback, and Rakestraw's reputation has shifted from promising prospect to question mark who must prove he can stay healthy before demonstrating any on-field impact.