Lions Rookie Report: Impressive Detroit Rookies Shine in Victory against Giants

The Detroit Lions win their first preseason game of 2023 and rookies shine, including wide receivers and defensive playmakers.

The Detroit Lions emerged victorious in their inaugural preseason game of 2023, securing a win and witnessing promising performances from their rookie class. The wide receivers, in particular, made a significant impact against the Giants, with all three first-year receivers showcasing their abilities.

Chase Cota, an undrafted player from Oregon, had an impressive professional debut, totaling four catches for 60 yards. Antoine Green, a seventh-round pick, also contributed early on with three catches for 36 yards. Dylan Drummond, who garnered attention during training camp, had a quieter game but still made valuable contributions. He gained 12 yards on two receptions and successfully returned one kick for 19 yards.

Undrafted rookie quarterback Adrian Martinez entered the game in the fourth quarter, replacing Nate Sudfeld, and displayed glimpses of his potential. Known for his mobility in college, Martinez utilized his running ability, gaining 10 yards on five carries and even scoring a rushing touchdown to put Detroit in the lead. While his passing performance was not as impressive, completing only four of seven attempts for 37 yards, his overall display should earn him more playing time in the remaining preseason games.

Tight end Sam LaPorta saw significant playing time in the first half but did not contribute much to the box score. He frequently lined up alongside Brock Wright in 12-personnel sets, occasionally appearing side-by-side with him. Although LaPorta was targeted once, he unfortunately dropped the pass.

First-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs showcased his talent early on, despite facing challenges from a struggling offensive line. The elusive running back demonstrated his ability to navigate through difficult situations that would typically result in a loss of yardage. Additionally, Gibbs briefly displayed his receiving skills with an 18-yard catch. He also proved his team-oriented mindset by making a tackle on New York's Jason Pinnock following Sudfeld's interception.

Fellow rookie running back Mohamed Ibrahim did not experience the same level of success. He averaged 2.3 yards per carry on his four touches and briefly left the field to receive medical attention for a minor injury.

On the offensive line, fifth-round pick Colby Sorsdal started at right guard, highlighting the learning curve he faces as a former William & Mary lineman. Undrafted rookies Brad Cecil and Connor Galvin served as the second-team center and right tackle, respectively.

Defensively, defensive lineman Brodric Martin, despite his imposing size, only managed one tackle in the game, leaving observers curious about what justified the costly trade-up in the third round for the Western Kentucky product. Rookie linemen Chris Smith and Cory Durden saw limited action against the Giants without making notable contributions.

First-round pick Jack Campbell made an impressive debut for the Lions, tallying four tackles and a pass defense. He injected life into the team's run defense and started alongside Derrick Barnes in the absence of Alex Anzalone.

Undrafted linebacker Trevor Nowaske caught the attention of the broadcast announcers with his notable performance. The Saginaw Valley State standout recorded four tackles in the matchup against New York.

The four rookies in Detroit's secondary emerged as some of the game's biggest playmakers. Safety Brandon Joseph showcased his impact across the field, sealing the game with an interception and delivering strong performances against the run, including a tackle-for-loss.

Nickel defender Brian Branch made an immediate impact in his first start as a Lion. Within four minutes of the game, he expertly read a screen play to veteran Cole Beasley, resulting in a loss of yardage.

Undrafted rookie Starling Thomas continued to impress, building on his reputation as the training camp standout of 2023. He excelled on special teams, particularly as a gunner on the punt team, and made crucial blocks on kick and punt returns throughout the game.