Ennis Rakestraw Jr. 2024 NFL Draft Profile

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. NFL Draft Overview

Position: Cornerback School: Missouri

Height:  5’11”

Weight: 183 lbs

Arm: 32″

Hand: 8 1/2″

40 yard Dash: 4.51 seconds

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Since moving to the SEC, the Missouri Tigers have shockingly made their mark. Competing for conference titles out the gate and producing NFL talent, Missouri has become an underrated program. This year, the Missouri Tigers have a rising defensive talent in the draft who is shooting up draft boards Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Rakestraw was a three-star recruit out of the prestigious football program at Duncanville High School. He then committed to Missouri.

At Missouri, Rakestraw would quickly be an impact player for the Tigers, becoming a starter as a true freshman. Unfortunately, his sophomore campaign ended early with a torn ACL. Rakestraw returned and reclaimed his starting spot for the next two years, leading a respected Missouri Defense. Is RakeStraw worthy of a first-round draft selection? Let’s dig into the film.

2024 NFL Draft: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Scouting Report

Rakestraw’s Strengths

• He is extremely fluid in his hips and has quick feet. He can get in and out of beaks alongside the wide receiver and is fast enough to turn his hips quickly and run with him. 
•  Physical corner who loves to tackle and be physical at the point of attack in run support. He has a good Wrap tackle and targets the thigh area to bring down carriers. Eliminates the quick passing game by refusing to be blocked.
• He is physical in press coverage and has the arm’s length to stagger wide receivers at the line of scrimmage. He loves to get his hands on wideouts and redirect/mirror them.  
• He can handle and provide elite man-to-man coverage on two levels 20 yards and below. He plays his best position on the field: the slot.  
• Perfect for a scheme that mixes coverages 
• He is excellent at getting his hand on the ball and knocking it away.
• Has well-timed pass deflections and breaks on the football. 

Rakestraw’s Weakness

• His speed was very underwhelming, running a 4.51 40-yard dash. His lack of speed hurts him as an outside cover corner right now and will hurt his long-term potential. 
• Physicality is his calling card and can lead to flags at the next level. He gets more grabby down the field as his speed is not top-tier. 
• Needs to improve his frame. He is very small, 183, and needs to add bulk to survive the rigors of the NFL, especially with his physical style.
• Only one interception in 3 years starting. The interception was versus the low-level competition; can he cause force turnovers?
• He has missed multiple games throughout multiple seasons due to lower leg injuries.

Projection: Second Round Pick

NFL Comparison: Casey Hayward

Best Fits: Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and the Indianapolis Colts.

Bottom Line

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was a fun prospect to watch. He certainly fits multiple NFL schemes and roles. His ability to tackle, be physical at the line of scrimmage, and have excellent fluid movement skills is incredible. Rakestraw’s speed is a concern, which makes it best he’s a zone corner or slot man corner. If he improves his frame and downfield positioning, he can be a star. Main Image: Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK