Lions' Rookie Report: Brad Holmes' 2023 Picks Shine
Week 1 of the NFL preseason is now officially in the books for the Detroit Lions.
The Lions prevailed victorious against the N.Y. Giants, 21-16, Friday night at Ford Field. And, among the various highlights was the performance of Detroit's rookie class.
Linebacker Jack Campbell, the No. 18 overall pick in the 2023 draft, and undrafted wide receiver Chase Cota led the way for the first-year pros, with a pair of impressive performances in the win.
Here is a look at the entire '23 rookie class and how it performed in Detroit's exhibition opener with the Giants.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs didn't have an outstanding day on the ground, rushing six times for 19 yards (3.2 yards a carry).
However, on the third series of the game, the Alabama product did record a nice catch-and-run that went for 18 yards. Additionally, on the same drive (and following play), he had an 8-yard carry. Along with the above, he did deliver a nice blitz pick-up during the series, which culminated in a 39-yard field goal from Riley Patterson.
All in all, it was a decent preseason debut for the 2023 No. 12 overall pick.
LB Jack Campbell
Campbell delivered a solid performance in his first ever preseason contest. He tied for a team-leading four total tackles, and also amassed a pass defensed. Additionally, he was in on back-to-back stops to open up the second quarterback. He was around the ball often, and showcased a knack for being able to wrap up the ball-carrier.
TE Sam LaPorta
LaPorta had just one ball thrown his way Friday, and it came early in the first quarter on a fourth-and-1 play. Unfortunately, the Iowa product failed to secure the catch.
It'll be interesting to see if the second-rounder is deployed more in the passing game as the regular season nears.
DB Brian Branch
Branch came through with three total tackles, including one for loss on the Giants' second series of the game.
He displayed an aggressive nature and hard-hitting ability in his preseason debut, and certainly outperformed his defensive back counterparts Will Harris and Chase Lucas.
It could be the start of a productive first year in the league for the versatile defensive back.
Additional reading: Giants-Lions Snap Counts
DT Brodric Martin
Martin, the first-year defensive tackle from Western Kentucky, had a minimal impact on Friday night's game.
The interior defensive lineman did showcase signs of being a run-stuffing presence, bringing down N.Y. running back James Robinson on a third-and-2 play in the second quarter.
However, the third-rounder also showcased the fact that he still needs time to develop, as he noticeably struggled with establishing solid pad level on multiple plays.
Expect Martin to continue to be a work-in-progress throughout the remainder of training camp.
OL Colby Sorsdal
Sorsdal got the start at right guard, and displayed some positive signs of being able to handle the position.
The William & Mary product logged 37 snaps on Friday night, accounting for 51 percent of the team's total offensive snaps.
After his decent performance vs. the Giants, I'm expecting the first-year lineman to continue to receive a healthy dose of reps the rest of the preseason.
WR Antoine Green
The seventh-rounder hauled in all three of his targets Friday, including a 24-yard pass from Nate Sudfeld in the second quarter.
Additionally, the North Carolina product outperformed both Jameson Williams and Dylan Drummond, which should bode well for Green as he navigates his way through his first exhibition season.
WR Dylan Drummond
Speaking of Drummond, the undrafted wideout failed to make a big-time impact in Friday's contest.
He recorded two catches for 12 yards, on four total targets.
Additionally, on the Lions' last drive of the first half, he had a key drop on fourth-and-goal.
The Eastern Michigan product will need to have a bounce-back performance in Detroit's next preseason tilt (Aug. 19 vs. Jacksonville).
CB Starling Thomas V
The undrafted defensive back logged 32 defensive snaps vs. New York, plus another 12 on special teams.
On Friday, he proved to be a huge asset for special teams coordinator Dave Fipp's unit. Most notably, he secured the final block on Maurice Alexander's 95-yard punt return for touchdown.
Thomas has been a standout performer all throughout camp. And, with another solid preseason game, he could just clinch his spot on the Lions' season-opening 53-man roster.
QB Adrian Martinez
The undrafted quarterback played just three series, and attempted only seven passes (four-of-seven passing) in Detroit's exhibition opener. However, he did pilot the team's 11-play, 69-yard game-winning drive, which culminated in a 1-yard rushing score from the former Nebraska and Kansas State passer.
It wasn't a sexy performance from the first-year pro, by any stretch of the imagination. However, he still managed to produce a cleaner day – albeit in a much smaller sample size - than fellow backup Nate Sudfeld (who threw two interceptions).
WR Chase Cota
Cota was easily the most impressive rookie offensive performer of the night. He hauled in four catches for a game-high 60 yards (on seven targets), including a 24-yard reception toward the sideline in the second quarter.
In his postgame presser, Dan Campbell offered some high praise for the undrafted pass-catcher.
“I would say he’s the quiet sleeper, because I think he’s done some things that — every day, it’s positive. But, it’s just kind of right under the radar," Campbell said of Cota's performance. "It’s more like, the guy really doesn’t mess things up, and then today, he shows up and makes these plays that catch your eye. So, when you get a guy who’s where he’s supposed to be, he’s accountable, he can really play all the positions, and now he’s making these plays, starting to produce."
Even if Cota fails to play a single down with the Lions in 2023, there's no denying the fact that he made a name for himself Friday night.
RB Mohamed Ibrahim
The Minnesota product did not make a noticeable difference. He only played a total of six snaps, and carried the ball four times for a miniscule nine yards (2.3 yards a carry). He also briefly exited his preseason debut with a minor injury.
It was far from a memorable performance for the undrafted running back.
LB Trevor Nowaske
Just like Campbell, Nowaske was around the ball often and amassed four total tackles.
The Saginaw Valley State product put together some good film in his first ever exhibition tilt. However, he will need to continue to impress in order to work his way up the Lions' linebackers depth chart.
S Brandon Joseph
The Notre Dame product was all over the stat sheet Friday night. He amassed three total tackles, including one for loss, and a pass defensed. Plus, he recorded one of the most impactful plays of the evening: the game-sealing interception with 1:00 remaining.
It was the definition of a noteworthy performance from the first-year defensive back.
