Gone are the days when the Detroit Lions were lovable losers. Head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have transformed the team’s culture by proclaiming grit above all else. That energy has rubbed off on their squad, especially their rookies.
Though they are experiencing their first NFL playoffs, Lions rookies made an impact in their Divisional Round victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Lions rookies left a mark in the Divisional Round pic.twitter.com/UdHjWXkYTu
— NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2024
Jahmyr Gibbs was the first player the Lions selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. The 12th overall pick from Alabama finished the regular season with 182 carries for 945 yards and ten touchdowns. He led Detroit’s rushing attack against Tampa Bay with nine carries for 74 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, the Lions selected tight end Sam LaPorta in the second round. The former Iowa standout led the team with nine catches, translating into 65 receiving yards. He has done well in the playoffs despite suffering a hyperextended knee in their regular season finale. While he only had 14 yards in their Wild Card Round encounter versus the Los Angeles Rams, one of his three catches was for a touchdown.
The Lions also selected safety Brian Branch in the second round. He led the team with nine tackles, one of which was a sack on Baker Mayfield. This is a continuation of his impressive rookie season, during which he tallied 50 tackles, 13 passes defended, three interceptions, and a forced fumble.
Finally, Gibbs’ fellow first-rounder, linebacker Jack Campbell, added three tackles for the Lions. Their contributions brought the long-struggling franchise to its first NFC Championship Game since 1991.
The Lions have done well with their picks, and they are reaping the rewards of their extensive research in finding the right guys. That’s why, two years after finishing 3-13-1, they are one win away from the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
-Lance Fernandez