Dominic Lovett Excited to Reunite With Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Calls Him ‘Big-Brother Figure’ After Lions Draft Connection

When the Detroit Lions selected cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, wide receiver Dominic Lovett didn’t just see a talented defender join the team—he saw family. The two former Missouri Tigers teammates are now Detroit Lions teammates, and for Lovett, that reunion means more than just chemistry on the field. It means the return of a “big-brother figure” who helped him navigate some of the most crucial moments of his college journey.

The reunion, while unexpected, feels like destiny for both players. Lovett, now entering his second year with the Lions after transferring from Missouri to Georgia and going pro early, couldn’t help but smile when he saw Rakestraw’s name flash across the television screen during the draft broadcast. It brought him back to their days in Columbia, Missouri—summers of grueling workouts, quiet moments of mentorship, and a bond that transcended the traditional offense-defense rivalry.

“I can’t even lie, I got chills,” Lovett said after Rakestraw was picked. “That’s my brother, man. When I was a freshman at Mizzou, Ennis took me under his wing. He was already that dude on defense, but he always made time to check on me, make sure I was good, on and off the field.”

Their bond wasn’t just built through shared practices or campus run-ins. Lovett credits Rakestraw with helping him develop not only as a player, but as a man. At Missouri, Rakestraw was known for his energy, confidence, and the rare ability to be a unifying force in the locker room. As a young receiver still finding his way, Lovett gravitated toward that.

“He saw something in me when I didn’t even know if I had what it took to make it,” Lovett recalled. “He used to pull me aside after reps, tell me how to beat certain coverages or how he’d guard me if I was the guy. It’s one thing when a coach does that. But when your peer—one of the best corners in the SEC—is doing that for you? That sticks with you.”

Rakestraw, for his part, remembers those moments just as fondly. Speaking to local Detroit media after being drafted, he mentioned Lovett without prompting, calling him “my little bro from day one.”

“Dom’s got that fire,” Rakestraw said. “People talk about my edge, but that dude’s got it too. It just shows up in different ways. He’s quieter, but when the ball’s snapped, he’s locked in. He wants to destroy you between the whistles. That’s why I respected him immediately.”

The Lions clearly saw something in Rakestraw that aligns with their identity—a tough, gritty competitor with high football IQ and elite man-to-man coverage skills. After drafting physical freaks like Brian Branch and adding tone-setters like Aidan Hutchinson in recent years, Detroit continues to stack its roster with players who bring both talent and leadership.

Lovett believes Rakestraw fits perfectly into that mold.

“Detroit got a dog,” he said. “A real one. Y’all gonna see.”

The Lions are hoping the on-field familiarity between the two will translate to early results. Lovett and Rakestraw faced off daily at Missouri practices, and those battles forged a respect and competitiveness that few others could match.

“He was my biggest test every day,” Lovett said. “I’d line up knowing I had to bring my A-game, or he’d embarrass me. I think he made me better every rep. And I’m proud to say I got him a few times too.”

Rakestraw laughed when told of Lovett’s comments.

“Oh, he got me a couple times—barely,” he joked. “But I got him more.”

Lovett joined Detroit with a chip on his shoulder, determined to prove that his breakout year at Georgia wasn’t a fluke. After flashing his speed and route-running savvy during his rookie year in 2024, he’s now looking to establish himself as a core part of the Lions’ wide receiver rotation, especially with Jameson Williams expected to take on a bigger role and veteran Amon-Ra St. Brown drawing constant double teams.

Having someone like Rakestraw—familiar, competitive, and trusted—in the locker room is a boost Lovett didn’t anticipate but wholeheartedly embraces.

“You go through this league and realize quick, not everybody has your back. So when you get someone you know in your corner, it’s special,” Lovett said. “I know I can lean on him, and he knows I’ve got him too.”

The Lions coaching staff has also noticed the energy the reunion brings. During rookie minicamp, Lovett made it a point to be around Rakestraw, offering advice on the playbook, team culture, and how to survive the NFL grind.

“It’s crazy, because I used to be the one asking him questions,” Lovett said. “Now I’m the one helping him adjust. Full circle.”

And adjust he must. The jump from college to the pros is never simple, even for elite defenders like Rakestraw. But if there’s one area he won’t struggle with, it’s competitiveness. The Dallas native has never shied away from the big stage, whether it was shutting down top SEC receivers or showing out at the Senior Bowl. Now, he’s ready to bring that same edge to the NFC North.

“My mentality don’t change just because it’s the league,” Rakestraw said. “I’m still gonna line up and tell the man in front of me he ain’t getting nothing today. I’m still gonna talk, I’m still gonna hit, and I’m still gonna lead.”

Lovett laughs when he hears that quote, because it’s exactly what he remembers from their Mizzou days.

“Yep, that’s the Ennis I know,” he said. “Always loud, always intense—but he backs it up.”

That intensity is something Lions head coach Dan Campbell likely welcomes with open arms. Rakestraw’s game screams “Detroit,” from his physicality to his relentless motor to his leadership instincts. Pairing that with a trusted voice like Lovett’s—someone who knows how to connect with him emotionally and professionally—could fast-track Rakestraw’s transition into the Lions’ defense.

“People think chemistry only matters for quarterbacks and receivers,” Lovett said. “But it matters for defense too. When you trust who’s next to you, when you know they’re gonna ride for you, it changes how you play. Ennis and I already have that.”

The road to success in the NFL is rarely linear. Injuries, scheme changes, and off-field pressures challenge every young player. But in Detroit, the Lions seem to be creating an environment built on toughness, culture, and connection. The reunion of Lovett and Rakestraw is a perfect example of that ethos.

For now, they’ll focus on camp—on getting better, faster, stronger. But when the season kicks off and the lights are brightest, don’t be surprised if the Missouri tandem makes some noise.

“We came from the same dirt,” Lovett said. “Now we’re building something special together again. And we’re not done yet.”

Asked if he sees this as a new chapter or a continuation of their old story, Lovett paused for a moment.

“It’s both,” he finally said. “New team, new goals. But the same brotherhood. That never changed.”