NFL Analyst Nick Villano: Lions to Trade Star Rookie in a Deal Proposal

The Detroit Lions might make a trade before the November 5 deadline, and NFL analysts and experts are speculating on potential players the team could either acquire or trade during negotiations.

In a feature for FanSided, Nick Villano identified one player from each NFL team whom he believes should be traded at the 2024 trade deadline. For the Lions, Villano made an unconventional pick in rookie cornerback and second-round selection, Ennis Rakestraw.

Ennis Rakestraw is a ‘Luxury,’ Says NFL Analyst

In the September 30 feature, Villano noted that some have “criticized” the Lions for “not making a big move” during last season’s quiet trade deadline.

“They also received criticism for not targeting another wide receiver when some players left in free agency, leaving them to rely on Jameson Williams to fill in behind Amon-Ra St. Brown,” he wrote.

Villano then proposed an “interesting” idea: trading cornerback Rakestraw.

“The Lions took Terrion Arnold in the first round of the draft, also at cornerback,” he explained. “Arnold has been really good to start. He’s had some bumps, but he looks like the real deal. Rakestraw is a luxury at this point, though he could develop into part of a solid tandem.”

Villano added, “The Lions traded for Carlton Davis this offseason. Rakestraw is looking at a slot corner role at best, but more likely, he’ll have to wait his turn on the outside. It makes sense to use that asset to address a current need for the Lions.”

He also suggested this year could be an ideal time for the Lions to make a trade before November 5, noting that “there are only so many opportunities at a Super Bowl,” and that “the Lions are truly in their window right now.”

Ennis Rakestraw is ‘Seen as a Future Starter in Detroit’

Not everyone agrees with Villano’s suggestion to trade Rakestraw. NFL analyst Brad Berreman of SideLion Report argued that the Lions shouldn’t, and likely wouldn’t, trade the rookie.

“The Lions are highly unlikely to trade their second-round pick this year halfway through his rookie season under any circumstance,” Berreman stated in an October 4 article. “In fact, ‘unlikely’ probably doesn’t fully convey the sentiment. Rakestraw has had a slow start because he hasn’t played much, but he’s regarded as a future starter in Detroit until proven otherwise.”

Berreman also pointed out that while the Lions have Davis for now, as Villano mentioned, they acquired him from the Buccaneers as he entered the final year of his contract.

“Extending him seems pretty likely at this point, but it could go either way,” Berreman explained. “Rakestraw may have a significant role in 2025, if not sooner, depending on how this season unfolds.”

Lastly, Berreman addressed the issue of trade value. He noted that while “youth and potential carry some intrinsic value,” at the same time, “Rakestraw simply hasn’t played much in his rookie season.” Thus, his current trade value is low, which would also work against trading him.