Lions Rookie Watch: Top Picks Shine at Minicamp
The Detroit Lions' 2023 rookie class had its first opportunity to showcase its skills against veteran NFL players last week at mandatory minicamp.
Detroit's top picks showcased why general manager Brad Holmes, the personnel department and the coaching staff invested high draft picks in positions that some pundits felt were not as valuable.
Let's review the performance of Detroit's 2023 rookie class at minicamp.
Jahmyr Gibbs
Detroit's No. 12 overall pick showcased why the front office believed he could be part of transforming the offense into being more explosive and gritty.
The expectation is that Gibbs will fight for extra yards and provide Ben Johnson's offense a home-run threat each time he touches the football.
After securing a reception from Jared Goff, Gibbs turned on the jets, scampering toward the end zone at full speed, providing a glimpse of the challenges he will cause opposing defensive coordinators.
Jack Campbell
Detroit's second first-round pick spent most of the week on the second-team defense.
He was able to showcase fluid movement, leadership at the MIKE position and an understanding of coverage assignments.
He'll need to continue to work on fundamental techniques to be able to effectively and consistently cover running backs and tight ends in certain offensive alignments.
Sam LaPorta
LaPorta was arguably the best rookie to step foot on the field at the team's Allen Park facility
The young tight end showcased chemistry with Detroit's quarterbacks, and oftentimes was the target during team drills.
His athleticism was off the charts, and his ability to garner yards after the catch left many watching intrigued by his early potential.
Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta
© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Brian Branch
Often on the second-or-third-team defense, the young defensive back has a tall hill to climb to see the field on defense early in his NFL career.
With C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Tracy Walker and Kerby Joseph ahead of him on the safety depth chart, Branch will have work to do in order to earn playing time.
His ability to play in the slot will dictate how much time he sees on defense early in his career.
Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn likes Branch's versatility and physical playing style, which was on display during minicamp.
Branch may see his early contribution be on special teams, to start off his tenure in Motown.
Hendon Hooker
Footage of the young quarterback throwing the football to wideout Trinity Benson grabbed the attention of supporters, as any sign of progress is positive at this stage of his development.
Hooker is going to become a popular member of the locker room. He has leadership qualities that will force players to gravitate towards him.
Brodric Martin
Detroit's second third-round pick is a physical specimen. The hope is that Martin will grasp Glenn's defensive concepts quickly and clog the middle.
While Martin needs some more seasoning to become an every-down player, he showcased quick burst, athleticism and powerful hands his first week at minicamp.
Colby Sorsdal
Grasping the concepts on the offensive line can be a struggle early in one's tenure.
Detroit's offensive line reserves did not perform all that well collectively. However, the young lineman showcased foot quickness and fluid movements during individual and team drills.
When pads come on at training camp, I will be intrigued to observe the lineman's ability to fire out of his stance and gain leverage advantages at the point of attack.
At first glance, Sorsdal will need to add some size moving forward to last in the NFL, but his upside to become a versatile contributor was on display at minicamp.
Antoine Green
The young wideout had a solid minicamp, with Day 3 being his best day on the field.
The seventh-round pick showcased a healthy catch radius and burst off the line.
If he is able to develop crisp and savy route-running over his rookie season, opposing defensive backs will struggle to defend him.
UDFAs to watch at training camp
- CB Starling Thomas
- LB Trevor Nowaske
- WR Chase Cota
- WR Dylan Drummond
- RB Mohamed Ibrahim
