Wednesday was the second and final of the Detroit Lions' joint practices against the New York Giants before Friday night's preseason opener. As would be expected with a young roster and fast-tracked rebuild, the Lions will be relying on plenty of young players again this year. If nothing else, the joint practices were an opportunity to show their stuff against an opponent.
Before Wednesday's practice session, head coach Dan Campbell named five rookies who particularly impressed him in the first joint practice.
#Lions head coach Dan Campbell named five young players that showed growth in Tuesday's joint practice with the #Giants:
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) August 9, 2023
TE Sam LaPorta
RB Jahmyr Gibbs
DB Brian Branch
DB Starling Thomas
WR Dylan Drummond pic.twitter.com/SPtk2rbu8b
Dan Campbell praises Lions rookies for their work during joint practices
Here some appropriate, however brief, quotes from the Lions' head coach on Wednesday morning about the five rookies he named.
"LaPorta, I thought LaPorta showed up.”
LaPorta had one of the few noted highlights from a tougher day for the Lions offense on Wednesday, a touchdown reception from Jared Goff, and overall he had a strong two days of work by all accounts.
“I thought Gibbs showed up.”
That may be putting it lightly, with what Gibbs did to Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke on this play during Tuesday's practice.
Welcome to joint practices, @Jahmyr_Gibbs1‼️ pic.twitter.com/oGwzuQpH5j
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 8, 2023
Gibbs ended Wednesday's practice with another excellent play as a receiver.
Practice is over. Jahmyr Gibbs ended the day with a one-handed grab deep down the left sideline in the end zone facing double coverage, after going up to get it. Not sure if he got two feet in, but regardless, the fact that a running back can do things like this is impressive.
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) August 9, 2023
"Branch did some things.” Branch has been a consistent standout during training camp, and he carried that into the practices against the Giants.
Step for step 🙅♂️@BrianBB_1 pic.twitter.com/QwDEGEsNnU
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 8, 2023
“Starling, I saw growth.”
Thomas, the undrafted rookie out of UAB, has also shown some swagger and vociferous nature in his battle to earn a roster spot.
"Drummond once again, out there making plays.”
Drummond, the undrafted rookie out of Eastern Michigan, is making it hard for the Lions not to keep him on the 53-man roster. He's putting in work after practice too.
Who right now is on Juggs machine with St. Brown — Dylan Drummond. Kalif Raymond putting in work too
— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) August 9, 2023
Linebacker Jack Campbell and defensive tackle Brodric Martin were notable omissions from Campbell's mentions. Campbell did specifically mention a lack of consistency from seventh-round pick wide receiver Antoine Green, in line with Drummond's rise.
But, as expected, the Lions' rookie class is broadly impressing up to this point