The Detroit Lions are leaning on internal solutions to fix a secondary that has been their biggest weakness, even as the trade market for Joey Porter Jr. cooled. Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. earned a significant increase in snaps after holding his own against the Jets, with head coach Dan Campbell indicating the third-year player will get a long look at an outside cornerback spot this week against Carolina.
Porter Trade Cost Too High
The decision to stand pat on the trade front appears driven by the high cost attached to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ cornerback. Porter was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-rounder, a package that general manager Brad Holmes likely deemed too rich given Detroit’s recent success with second-round selections like Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch.
Rakestraw Earns Trust
With the trade window effectively closed on Porter, the Lions are hoping their 2024 draft class can stabilize the unit. Rakestraw allowed just one reception for six yards on four targets against New York, a performance that convinced Campbell he has the “stickiness” required to start. The coach noted Rakestraw was strong at the catch point and in phase, calling the outing promising despite the one mistake on a third-down out route.
Wonnum Returns to Practice
The pass rush will get a boost ahead of the primetime matchup against the Panthers as starting EDGE DJ Wonnum returned to full practice on Thursday. Wonnum recorded two sacks in his last appearance and faces a Panthers offensive line that is currently decimated by injuries, having lost both starting tackles and both starting cornerbacks to the injury report.
Miller Leads League in Win Rate
While the defense looks to find answers, the offensive line has quietly become a strength. Rookie right tackle Blake Miller leads the NFL in pass block win rate at 96 percent, a figure that surpasses veterans like Dion Dawkins and Lane Johnson. Miller’s steadiness has helped Jared Goff post an 802-yard, eight-touchdown, zero-interception start to the season.
Scruggs Steps in at Center
Center Juice Scruggs has also exceeded expectations since stepping in for the injured Cade Mays, allowing zero sacks in three games while ranking as the league’s second-best run-blocking center according to Pro Football Focus. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing praised Scruggs for his physical play and the communication he establishes at the line of scrimmage.
Draft Class Showing Life
The 2024 draft class is showing signs of life beyond the trenches, with running back Sione Vaki emerging as a viable option to handle pass protection duties that have been a liability for other backs. Vaki’s ability to protect Goff and provide a lower-shoulder running style could be crucial if the Lions need to manage the game against a surging Panthers offense.
Experience Tipped the Scale
Head coach Dan Campbell admitted the Lions held both Miller and Panthers right tackle Monroe Freeling in high regard during the draft, but Miller’s four years of starting experience at Clemson gave him the edge. That experience is now paying dividends, as Miller has allowed only three pressures and zero sacks in his two appearances, contrasting with Freeling’s struggles in pass protection for Carolina.
This article was created by aggregating Detroit Lions news using Artificial Intelligence.
