Rookie Report: Lions' Top Picks Prove Ready for Spotlight
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has had plenty of success in his first two drafts. Through 2021 and 2022, he's added several young players to the roster that look to be foundational pieces.
When he drafted Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell in the first round this April, he faced many questions about whether or not those players would be able to make immediate impacts.
After the season-opening win over Kansas City, it's clear that they, along with second-round picks Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch, are ready for the spotlight.
Each of Holmes' first four selections from this year's draft played pivotal roles in the win. Here is an assessment of how each rookie (who was active) performed in the season's first game.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs: B-
Anticipation for the Alabama product's debut was not necessarily met. His usage was underwhelming, as he only had nine touches. He finished with 42 yards rushing (on seven carries), along with 18 receiving yards (on two catches).
His performance on those nine touches showed exactly why the Lions were so excited to get him at No. 12 overall. He forced six missed tackles, and displayed a physical running style to complement his breakaway speed.
His second carry went for 17 yards, and featured him weaving throughout would-be tacklers. Later on that drive, he lost his footing on an outside zone concept that had the necessary blocking for him to race into the end zone.
"Gibbs is – he’s pretty electric, and he's only going to get better and he’s going to get a bigger piece of the pie as we move forward," Campbell said.
The Lions were selective in how they deployed the running back. Per Pro Football Focus, he played zero pass-blocking snaps, as that duty was delegated to David Montgomery.
With how consistently Kansas City was able to pressure Jared Goff, those situations kept Gibbs off the field. He will surely face increased usage in the coming weeks. On Thursday, the Lions needed more of Montgomery for his pass-blocking and tough running late in the game, though.
LB Jack Campbell: B
Campbell didn't start, but played 25 snaps amidst a rotation featuring Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez. His physicality in the run game stood out, as he was credited with two tackles.
His best play came in the third quarter when he read Patrick Mahomes' eyes perfectly and dove to break up a pass across the middle. The rookie displayed veteran instincts, and used his 6-foot-4 frame to shut down the attempt.
"I thought (Lions LB) Jack (Campbell) really stepped up," the Lions third-year head coach said. "Man, he played his – I’m watching his tape and I’m like to me, he didn’t play like a rookie, which is encouraging. Now, he’s got a few things to clean up, but that was pretty good. He was on it."
Barnes also had a strong night, so it's uncertain whether Campbell's role will change ahead of next week. It's worth monitoring, and the rookie's debut was encouraging.
TE Sam LaPorta: B+
The Lions showed a firm confidence in LaPorta. He started and played 58 snaps. He delivered by catching all five of his targets for 39 yards.
It was a strong debut as a receiver, but his ability to block in the run game was a pleasant surprise. He had an impressive block on Nick Bolton in the fourth quarter, on Montgomery's go-ahead touchdown.
Known for his pass-catching prowess in college, the development of his blocking over the course of training camp is worth noting. If he can continue to grow in that aspect, he will grow into the exact player the Lions need at the position.
"LaPorta, I thought did some really good things, and honestly, he blocked well," Dan Campbell explained. "It’s some of the best blocking I’ve seen out of him even through camp, so that was encouraging."
S Brian Branch: A
Branch played hero in the opener, with a 50-yard pick-six to tie the game at 14 in the third quarter. The Lions' offense was sputtering at the time, and Patrick Mahomes was settling into a groove against the defense.
Then, Branch snagged a pass that deflected off the hands of Kadarius Toney, and raced all the way to the end zone. It was the type of play that's expected from a defensive anchor, which Branch has shown the potential to become in his career.
"Branch, the thing about Branch is man, he’s a playmaker, and he came up with a big one for us," Campbell expressed. "And, I think what’s most encouraging is he’s got a ton to clean up, and when he’s got that stuff cleaned up, he’s going to be that much better. But, he’s got a knack for finding the football. So, those guys helped us win, but yet, there’s room to improve and grow with all of them. So, that’s a good thing."
Per PFF, he allowed two completions on four passes targeted his way. However, an impressive stat was that he allowed a total of just one yard after the catch.
His tackling was as advertised. After being one of the best tacklers at the college level, he did not miss a tackle in his debut.
G Colby Sorsdal: C
Sorsdal played only three special teams snaps, working on the field-goal team. All five of the Lions' offensive line starters played each of the 70 snaps, so Sorsdal remained on the sidelines.
