Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
- Alabama
- Height-6000
- Weight-188 lbs
- Fourth-year senior
- 3-Star recruit per 247 Sports
- Stats: 107 tackles, 79 solo, 8.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, 24 passes defended, 6 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
- Games watched: Tennessee 2023, LSU 2023, Georgia 2023
Strengths
Rakestraw isn’t afraid to get physical with the wide receiver. He uses good hand placement to knock the receiver off balance and carry them down the field.
Displays great fluidity in his lower half. Stays in the hip pocket of the receiver and mirrors them throughout the route.
Has really good instincts in coverage. Sees the ball well and attacks it in the air. Has 24 pass breakups in his career.
Weaknesses
Opens up his hips too quickly in press-man coverage and allows the receiver to take advantage with leverage.
Has a slender frame that can cause him to get bullied off the LOS, especially in the running game. It may also limit him to being a slot only at the next level.
A little bit grabby at the stem. Uses the receiver’s body to help him turn and will get called for it in the NFL.
Did a good job attacking the ball in the air but overall ball production struggled. Only had one interception in his career.
Overview
| Man | 8.3/10 |
| Zone | 8.0/10 |
| Hips/Fluidity | 8.8/10 |
| Recognition | 13.6/15 |
| Quickness | 8.3/10 |
| Run Support | 7.8/10 |
| Speed | 8.2/10 |
| Recovery | 8.0/10 |
| Tackling | 3.6/5 |
| Ball Skills | 8.0/10 |
| Grade | 82.6/100 Second Round |
Rakestraw is a talented player but I worry about his size and play strength being an issue at the next level. It could force him to be a slot only but with his length and fluidity in man coverage, I’d let him fail on the outside before forcing him to be a slot only player.
