What They're Saying: Sitting Out Hurts Brian Branch
It's a wrap from Day 2 of rookie minicamp for the Detroit Lions.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 draft, and Brian Branch, the No. 45 overall selection in this past April's draft, were each held out of practice Saturday after participating in on-field drills Friday.
Meanwhile, defensive tackle Brodric Martin, the Lions' second third-round selection in 2023 (No. 96 overall), temporarily left practice Saturday after injuring his left arm.
Additionally, quarterback Hendon Hooker, who is currently recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last fall, will miss all of this weekend's rookie minicamp on-field activities.
With all of the aforementioned rookies sitting out Saturday, it left former Iowa teammates Jack Campbell and Sam LaPorta -- two of the Lions' top four 2023 draft picks -- with a great opportunity to shine. And, they both made the most of it, impressing numerous media members in attendance for the practice, including All Lions' John Maakaron.
Here's what Campbell, LaPorta and several other members of Detroit's 2023 draft class had to say at the conclusion of Day 2 of rookie minicamp.
On what Sam LaPorta was like as a roommate at Iowa: “A chill guy. Football’s like the most important thing to him, and he’s going to do it at the highest level."
First impressions of Aaron Glenn and Lions' defense: "This defense, we’re going to attack. We’re going to do things the right way. Again, once the play’s done, we’re not going to sit and talk about all the things we could have done. We’re (using the) next-play mentality, and getting ready to go.”
On Dan Campbell saying he will be Day 1 ready: “Obviously, it’s high expectations of me. But, everything’s earned. I’m going to come into a room with a lot of other guys that are super hungry. And, I look forward to meeting them, learning from them. And, all I can do is prepare to the best of my ability and let my talents and everything else take me to where I need to be. And, I’m going to do everything I can to put this team in the best position to win games. Right now, a lot of people have high expectations on me, and that’s all good. I’m just going to stick to who I am, and come out here every single day and give it my all.”
How to temper expectations while recovering from ACL injury: “Just trusting the process. Taking it day-by-day. Making sure I’m doing what I have to do to be a better me when I return.”
How difficult it is to just sit back and watch fellow rookies take part in practice: “As you can see me, I’m just walking around with the ball. I’m fiending to get back out there on the field and compete. Also, just being around the guys, as well. So, you can see me in the warmups and stuff just having a good time and enjoying my teammates.”
On biggest thing he needs to work on at right guard position: "I love how fast it is. Everything happens so much faster when you’re at guard. And, that’s one thing I need to adjust to. But, I like having something new to work on. I like challenging myself, and I feel like I’m doing that out here.”
On wearing Lions gear for first time on field and going through rookie minicamp: “It feels good. It feels surreal, to be honest. It didn’t hit me when I got drafted, but now it’s starting to hit me, just being out here playing football again. Thank God we’re playing football again.”
On not being able to practice Saturday: "It hurt, because yesterday I practiced and today, like each practice, I want to get better. And, just knowing that I wasn't able to practice today, I wasn't able to get better or play with my teammates."
Detroit Lions rookie defensive back Brian Branch
© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
On what he can learn Saturday and Sunday while he sits out during minicamp practice: "Just learning the playbook and taking mental reps. I think the game’s more mental than physical anyways, so it’s good for me."
Biggest adjustment from college game to pro ranks: “Probably the details. There’s a lot more (details). The more detailed you are in like your craft, the better that things will work out for you.”
First impressions of Ben (Johnson) and Lions' offense: “They demand a lot. Very small details. I’m learning all the intricate details of the system right now. Of course, I’ve messed them up a couple times already. You’ve probably heard them yelling at me. So, those details are really what separates you apart in the National Football League. So, they were great last year, and I hope I can contribute a lot this year on offense.”
On having Iowa teammate Jack Campbell on Lions with him: “So fun. You know, I was roommates with Jack the last couple years. We lived in a house with all of our buddies. You know, it’s just like backyard football. Not actually, but you’re just going against your buddy. You know, you’re competing, and that’s what we all love. We love football, and it’s so fun to do it against Jack.”
