The Baltimore Ravens put together one of the best defensive performances in franchise history in 2023. That has led to a mass exodus of talent and staff that the franchise needs to replace.
The Ravens have always been a franchise that places a high emphasis on the secondary. They signed Marcus Williams as a free agent and drafted Kyle Hamilton the same offseason. They are locked in at safety even with Geno Stone’s departure. They do have question marks at cornerback as Marlon Humphrey ages because the only other proven commodity on the roster is Brandon Stephens.
Baltimore needs an impact player at cornerback and fortunately for the Ravens, this is a draft class rich in perimeter defenders. There is one they should have their eye on with pick No. 30 who has played against SEC competition.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 183 pounds
Strengths: Rakestraw excels in press coverage; physical at the line of scrimmage with receivers and likes to mix it up in the ground game as well; has great change of direction to stay with receivers; does a terrific job of getting his hands on the football.
Weakness: Has a small frame that will scare off some teams; physicality will draw flags in coverage; does not have elite speed so speedy receivers will be an issue; not as effective in zone coverage as he is in man coverage.
NFL Player Comparison: Darius Slay
Draft Projection: Late Day 1 – Early Day 2
Rakestraw’s physical play fits the Ravens mold at corner. He has the length they covet. The Ravens will love how disruptive he is at the line of scrimmage. Bigger receivers can bully him, but he is relentless in his pursuit of the ball. He ran a lot slower than expected (4.51 40-yard dash), but it is clear on tape that he can keep up with the nation’s best receivers.
Rakestraw can take the field immediately as the position is light in talent for the Ravens. Humphrey’s future in Baltimore could also be a question mark moving forward, so finding his replacement in the first round ahead of time is a logical move. If Rakestraw becomes the corner he is projected, he could fill the role of the top cornerback on the roster for years to come.
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