Cornerback Dennis Rakestraw Jr., drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the draft out of the University of Missouri, has officially signed a contract.
Rakestraw’s signing, the fifth player in the Lions’ 2024 rookie class to land a deal, is a big step toward strengthening the defensive lineup for the squad. The team needs to strengthen its secondary, and Rakestraw’s acquisition comes at a perfect moment as Terrion Arnold, a first-round pick, is still unsigned. Details of Ennis Rakestraw Jr.’s contract were made public; the former Missourian agreed to a $6.4 million, four-year agreement. There is a $1.5 million signing bonus and a $3.4 million guaranteed in this deal. According to industry insiders, Rakestraw’s contract will result in a roughly $1.1 million cap hit for the 2024 campaign.
Rakestraw hasn’t participated much in the first two weeks of the Lions’ organized team exercises, despite his official contract.
The cornerback’s complete participation in team practices has reportedly been postponed since he is still recovering from an offseason core muscle surgery.
The Lions’ deliberate draft selections and subsequent acquisitions suggest a focused strategy to strengthen their defensive line-up, which could change their backup performance in the forthcoming games. While they wait for Terrion Arnold’s contract to be finalized, the Lions seem confident in the potential of their future lineup.
In the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Lions deliberately selected cornerback Rakestraw in an attempt to strengthen their defensive line. Arnold’s selection with the first pick by the team highlights their commitment to rebuilding and fortifying their secondary.
Rakestraw is expected to have a major impact on the secondary’s transformation, adding new talent and a unique perspective to the team’s defense.
This summer, general manager Brad Holmes has taken the initiative to reorganize the Lions’ cornerback group.
Holmes carefully selected veteran cornerbacks Carlton Davis via trade and Mike Robertson via free agency in addition to selecting Rakestraw and Arnold.
Together with returning defensive backs Emmanuel Moseley and Kindle Vildor, these newcomers should make the Lions secondary one of the most competitive and keenly observed groups in the forthcoming campaign. Rookie Integration: The Lions’ plan to improve the secondary includes the addition of Ennis Rakestraw Jr. as a key player.
Draft Strategy Focus: The Lions showed a great commitment to strengthening their pass defense by selecting defensive upgrades first in the draft.
Holistic Team Building: The Lions want to have a strong defensive backfield by 2024, so they are combining fresh draft picks with experienced additions.
The Detroit Lions are putting themselves in a better defensive position for the 2017 NFL season with the addition of Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
The team’s defense will be adaptable and dynamic due to the combination of rookie energy and seasoned expertise among the cornerbacks, which might make the Lions an NFC powerhouse.