The Las Vegas Raiders are focusing on the 2024 NFL Draft, looking for young talent to help them bolster their roster.
The Raiders were just outside the playoff picture in 2023 and may be just a few pieces away from returning to the postseason.
Under Coach Antonio Pierce, the Raiders built an identity through relentless defensive effort and non-stop competitiveness. Las Vegas is looking for players who fit that culture.
One player who may be a good culture fit is Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Unfortunately, the rangy, fluid-moving corner will miss the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., after undergoing muscle core surgery.
Rakestraw finished his Tigers career with 107 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, 24 passes defended, and an interception. His stock has risen recently, and he could be a first-round selection in a crowded cornerback draft.
Rakestraw is a tall and slender corner, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 188 pounds. On tape, he looks tall and has the prototypical size to be an outside corner in the NFL.
The most appealing thing about Rakestraw on tape is how well he moves. He has some of the best footwork out of all corners in the draft, gliding effortlessly against wide receivers and covering lots of ground in the run game.
Rakestraw is an impressive cover corner as well. According to Pro Football Focus, he was targeted 28 times and allowed 18 receptions for 197 yards and just one touchdown. He has excellent length to bother receivers and plays press man with aggressiveness.
Rakestraw also has fluid hips that allow him to change direction down the field if he needs to. While the ball production was not high in college, his skill set should translate to more interceptions once he gets to the NFL.
While he was an impressive press-man corner in college, Rakestraw’s thin frame may cause him problems as a press-man corner at the next level. Bigger receivers may take advantage of his size.
Rakestraw could be a late first-round selection, but if he is available in the second round, the Raiders could bank on his athleticism and technique to translate at the next level.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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