Detroit Lions Do Not Seem Impressed With CB Ennis Rakestraw

Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw has had an up and down start to training camp. Unfortunately for the third-year defensive back, teammate Nick Whiteside has made many more plays and has earned more reps on the outside with the first-team defense.

Lately, the former second-round pick has been working more with the second-team defense.

Head coach recently Dan Campbell recently addressed why the team brought in former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs and if adding more high-level competition to that group was reflective of his comfort level with the cornerback room.

His comments raised many eyebrows, as it appears the coaching staff is developing more trust in other players.

While the team did not sign Diggs, it appears the coaching is keeping their options open regarding who will start opposite of D.J. Reed.

"Rakestraw, look, he's had some ups and downs. He needs to string a few days together here of some good stuff, but he can do that and he's gifted. Now that being said, look, we're always looking to upgrade the competition," said Campbell. "Is there a way to bring in somebody that we feel like can push the other guys or has a chance to help us? So, that's why we brought him in.

"Look, Brad (Holmes) is always looking that way. How can we bring in somebody that we feel like maybe has a chance here or can upgrade us or upgrade the position? So, that's an ongoing process.”

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Throughout the spring and summer, the coaching staff has praised the secondary, offering optimism the group has the right mix of veterans and youth.

Terrion Arnold not working out is a major setback, but the team is hopeful Rakestraw can keep developing while Whiteside and Rock Ya-Sin continue to also compete for playing time.

“I do like those guys. It's a good group. Obviously (D.J.) Reed’s down right now, but I don't feel like that's a significant injury. It's a soft tissue. He'll be back. So, that's a good thing," said Campbell. "And I feel like Rock (Ya-Sin) is having a good camp. I feel like Nick (Whiteside) has had a very good camp. Roger (McCreary) can cover. He's had some ups and downs, but he can cover. We got (Khalil Dorsey) Dorse, (Keith) Abney. I mean, I like the group."

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