Detroit Lions 2023 Rookie Minicamp Observations
The Detroit Lions held their second day of 2023 rookie minicamp in front of local reporters at their Allen Park practice facility.
Despite only have one quarterback and one running back participating in camp Saturday, the day was about showcasing to the coaching staff the ability to grasp what was being taught in meetings and applying it to the field during practice situations.
Lions assistant general manager Ray Agnew kicked off minicamp sharing his excitement about the ability to see the players drafted out on the field.
Agnew indicated that the primary objective was observing movement and assessing just how capable players were of executing assignments and remembering corrections or coaching tips.
10 tryout participants
With a couple of roster spots still open, the Lions invited 10 players to try out, with the hopes of earning one of the remaining spots on the team's 90-man roster.
- S Chris Bacon -- Bowling Green
- S Xavier Bell -- Portland State
- CB Da'Meak Brandon -- Limestone
- WR Dylan Drummond -- Eastern Michigan
- DL Jacorey Johns -- Wake Forest
- DL Wyatt Ray -- Boston College
- K John Parker Romo -- Virginia Tech
- WR Darrius Shepherd -- North Dakota State
- DL Jullian Taylor -- Temple
- CB David Vereen -- Newberry
Jahmyr Gibbs' injury only precautionary
Despite missing practice Saturday, Gibbs told reporters his ankle injury was minor and would not be any source of concern moving forward.
He suffered the "small tweak" to his ankle during the first day of rookie minicamp.
Second-round pick Brian Branch also did not participate in drills in front of reporters.
Rookie Brodric Martin was looked at by trainers for a few moments after dealing with an arm issue, but was able to resume practice after sitting out a portion of practice.
Mohamed Ibrahim only running back participant
With first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs sitting out due to precautionary reasons, Ibrahim took full advantage.
He showcased his physical running style and capabilities out of the backfield.
“He’s a physical runner. We like the guy. We like everything about him,” Agnew said about Ibrahim. “I don’t really want to single out any one of those guys, because then the rest of them feel like, ‘I don’t have a chance.’ But, he was a productive runner, especially between the tackles. Really physical. So, we like the player.”
Despite his talent, the undrafted free agent did receive a route-running tip from position coach Scottie Montgomery. Ibrahim failed to break quickly enough to the sideline, causing a pass from Adrian Martinez to sail over his head.
QB Hendon Hooker has infectious energy, despite sitting out
Detroit's developmental quarterback was present, but did not practice, as he continues to recover from an ACL injury.
Despite not participating in drills, the talented rookie observed keenly the coaching instructions from quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell and assistant QB coach J.T. Barrett.
Hooker demonstrated his passion and energy all throughout the practice, as he high-fived the entire offensive line following drills.
"It's awesome. Yeah, it's electric to be around," said rookie guard Colby Sorsdal. "You know, he's a great dude. And, we were kind of talking in stretch, getting used to being an NFL player, right! We talk about that this is the dream come true. And it is. So, we're blessed to be out here. It's just cool to be around him. I mean, his energy is contagious."
When asked about the constant questions about his age, Hooker scoffed at the notion he was too old. He, instead, expressed that it was an added benefit, being he has been around football for quite a while and has seen plenty of different situations that he has learned from.
Linebacker Jack Campbell is 'Day 1 ready'
Campbell demonstrated quick read and react abilities in coverage, and showcased his intensity and NFL readiness during the 90-minute practice.
At first glance, Detroit's first-round pick demonstrates all the tools needs to become a successful inside linebacker.
Despite his size, Campbell projects to be able to stack and shed defenders, with the capability of quickly identifying and reacting to coverage responsibilities.
Tight end Sam LaPorta shines, gets over on linebacker Jack Campbell
LaPorta was arguably the best player at practice Saturday, routinely hauling in pass after pass from Martinez.
His route running is reminiscent of T.J. Hockenson's, but without the difficulties remaining upright following receptions.
LaPorta's fluidity and sure-handedness were on full display all afternoon.
"You know, somebody called me underwhelming one time (in college) and I was like, 'You know, all right. You know, I think I can play with the best of them,'" LaPorta told reporters following practice. "But, if I don't impress you or whatever, it doesn't really matter. My play will do the talking hopefully."
Competitive period showcases jukes and speed
Similarly to all camps conducted by Detroit's coaching staff, the competitive period showcased an offensive player attempting to showcase elusiveness to get past a defender.
LaPorta juked safety Chris Bacon early in the drill, which was followed by a spectacular rep in which the talented tight end blew past Campbell, his former roommate and Iowa teammate, while flashing a wave on his way by.
Wideout Dylan Drummond wowed onlookers with his sheer speed, which he used to get past defenders repeatedly. Drummond also used a juke move to win a rep against cornerback David Vereen.
