Green Bay Packers’ general manager, Brian Gutekunst, is diligently preparing for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. To further this effort, he is personally attending the Missouri Tigers Pro Day on Friday. Positioned with the 25th overall selection in the draft, Gutekunst and his team are keenly assessing potential prospects.

Among the Packers’ identified needs in the draft is the cornerback position. Thus, one of the primary targets Gutekunst is likely scouting at the Tigers Pro Day is cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Rakestraw has been projected by analysts to be a late first-round pick, possibly even early in the second round, making him a significant prospect of interest for the Packers’ cornerback requirements.

Jaire Alexander stands as the premier cornerback on the Green Bay Packers’ roster, yet his absence in numerous games last season due to injury highlighted the team’s vulnerability in the cornerback position. Given this situation, Brian Gutekunst recognizes the urgency to bolster this area through the draft. Strengthening the cornerback position is imperative as the backend of the defense currently presents itself as a weak link, prompting Gutekunst to prioritize addressing this pressing need during the upcoming NFL Draft.

Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst Being At the Missouri Tigers Pro Day Is An Interesting Development

Brian Gutekunst’s attendance at the Tigers Pro Day signals a heightened level of scrutiny as the NFL Draft approaches. The event, occurring just over a month before the draft, underscores the seriousness with which teams like the Green Bay Packers are approaching their selections. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. emerges as a compelling reason for Gutekunst’s presence, given his potential as a shutdown cornerback.

Rakestraw Jr.’s standout qualities, including his imposing 6’0″ frame and 188 lbs weight, coupled with his impressive performances for the Missouri Tigers in the competitive SEC, make him an enticing prospect. Despite his modest interception tally last season—zero interceptions—his low stats in this regard suggest that opposing teams have been wary of challenging him. This aspect underscores his effectiveness as a cornerback, as fewer targets typically indicate respect from opposing offenses. With his promising attributes and performance, Rakestraw Jr. presents an appealing option for teams like the Packers seeking to fortify their defensive lineup in the upcoming draft.

According to nfldraftbuzz.com, some of his strengths are:

“Instinctual player with a keen understanding of the game, showcasing an ability to anticipate plays and react swiftly. Exhibits superior man coverage skills, using a blend of physicality and technique to disrupt opposing receivers. Remarkable twitch and agility allow for quick direction changes, staying on the hip of receivers throughout their routes.”

Some of his weaknesses are:

“Ran slower than expected at the combine with a 4.51 forty and a very poor broad jump. May not be the athlete we anticipated. Light frame could hinder effectiveness against more physically imposing receivers and in shedding blockers. Zone coverage skills are underdeveloped. May be a liability if thrown into a complex zome scheme as a rookie.”

Selecting Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft would indeed align with the Green Bay Packers’ objectives. Rakestraw Jr. presents significant potential as a cornerback, offering a promising upside that could address the team’s defensive needs effectively.

Brian Gutekunst’s focus on acquiring quality players through the draft, with an emphasis on development, underscores the importance of identifying prospects like Rakestraw Jr. His attendance at the Missouri Tigers Pro Day suggests a targeted interest in this specific player, further emphasizing the likelihood of the Packers prioritizing Rakestraw Jr. as a potential addition to their roster.

Considering the Packers’ cornerback requirements and Rakestraw Jr.’s promising attributes, it would indeed be unexpected if Gutekunst’s attention at the pro day were directed towards any other prospect. Rakestraw Jr.’s potential impact on the team’s defense makes him a logical choice for the Packers in the upcoming draft.