Three Lions selected to PFF's All-Rookie Team
According to Pro Football Focus , the Detroit Lions crushed the 2023 NFL Draft with a trio of outstanding players making plays on both sides of the ball.
Sam LaPorta (TE) Round 2, Pick 34
Before suffering a knee injury against the Vikings in Week 18, the former Hawkeye set a rookie tight end record with 86 receptions. His 82nd catch came on his 10th touchdown of the season, most by any tight end in the regular season.
Per PFF, LaPorta led all tight ends with 13 contested catches and his final receiving grade was fourth-best at the position. Unfortunately, his injury will keep him out of Sunday night’s game against the Rams. Otherwise, he’d have a shot at breaking the rookie tight end record for touchdowns in a playoff game (2) held by former Lion David Sloan.
Jack Campbell (LB) Round 1, Pick 18
Another Hawkeye makes the list thanks to top marks for run defense among rookie linebackers. Detroit gave up the fourth-most rushing yards per game (146.5) in 2022 but thanks to their new linebacker, the Lions allowed the second-fewest rush yards per game (88.8) in 2023.
Campbell still needs to work on his pass coverage, but with 95 tackles in the regular season, Detroit can afford to be patient with their talented rookie.
Brian Branch (S) Round 2, Pick 45
Considered a slot CB by PFF, Branch led the team with 13 passes defensed and tied cornerback Jerry Jacobs for the second-most interceptions (3). Among cornerbacks drafted in 2023, Branch trails only Seattle’s Devin Witherspoon in overall grades, but with 22 pounds on Witherspoon, Banks was much better against the run.
Prior to the draft, Banks thought the Commanders would take him in the first round. All things considered, he did much better as a second-round pick by landing with the NFC North champion Lions.
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