As the Detroit Lions continue to solidify their defensive identity in the 2026 NFL season, head coach Dan Campbell has always emphasized one core principle: be where you’re supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there. On Monday, following a gritty 31-24 Week 3 victory over the New York Jets, Campbell revealed that two defenders embodied that mantra so well that they’ve earned expanded roles moving forward. Linebacker Trevor Nowaske and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, according to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, have officially caught the coaching staff’s attention.
Trevor Nowaske: The Epitome of Discipline
Nowaske, a former undrafted free agent out of Saginaw Valley State, played in half of the defensive snaps against the Jets—more than any linebacker not named Jack Campbell or Derrick Barnes. His increased workload came at the expense of veteran Devin White, and Campbell didn’t mince words when explaining why. “Nowaske just does everything right. He just does,” Campbell said. “He’s been doing that now for a while, came in, had a really good camp, and he’s a very disciplined player. He’s grown a ton since he’s been here, and just turned himself into a real solid player.”
That discipline was on full display in a critical red-zone sequence. When Jets quarterback Geno Smith pitched the ball to the dynamic Breece Hall, Nowaske read the play perfectly, chased Hall down, and limited him to no gain. “We gave him that rep in practice the other day—coaches did a great job—he yawned at it,” Campbell recalled. “And then when we get in the game, same thing. He doesn’t miss a beat.”
Nowaske’s assignment-sound play was a welcome sight for a Lions defense that had been gashed on the ground by the Buffalo Bills the previous week. Against New York, Detroit held the Jets to just 58 rushing yards and 3.1 yards per carry. “He’s going to continue to get opportunities because he’s earned that,” Campbell continued. “He’s a valuable special teams player for us, and there’s a role on defense where he can help us.”
Ennis Rakestraw: Rising to the Occasion
While Nowaske anchored the linebacker corps, second-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw made his presence felt in situational packages. When the Lions shifted to nickel, they slid Roger McCreary inside and inserted Rakestraw on the outside. The results were promising: per Pro Football Focus, Rakestraw allowed just one catch on four targets and delivered a standout pass breakup against Jets No. 1 receiver Garrett Wilson. “Rakestraw, I thought, showed up,” Campbell said unprompted. “He’s going to get more ops here. I thought he showed up. That was promising.”
The 2024 second-round pick out of Missouri has battled injuries—including an ankle issue that sidelined him late in training camp—but Campbell remains bullish on his potential. “I think Rake’s got a chance, man,” Campbell said. “He’s got the ability, and he wants to do it right. He works at it, and I do. I think the more opportunities he gets, the better he’ll get.”
For now, the plan is to keep Rakestraw on the outside, though Campbell wouldn’t rule out eventual reps at nickel. With his length and ball skills, the Lions envision him blossoming into a regular contributor.
Looking Ahead to Carolina
Both players will face a stiff test in Week 4 when the Lions host the Carolina Panthers, an offense that ranks fifth in points per game (29.7) and leads the league in passing yards per game (295.7). If Nowaske and Rakestraw continue to thrive, Detroit’s defense could be rounding into form at just the right time. As highlighted on Vulius, the Lions’ coaching staff has shown it will reward those who consistently do their job—and these two defenders are proving they belong.
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