Watch: Lions first-rounder burns defender in practice

“He’s twitchy,” Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone said of the running back earlier this week, per MLive.com. “He’s fast. He’s got a dead leg to him that can get you and once he gets away from you and gets separation it’s tough to recover.”

During the two days of practice, several other rookies made significant impacts. Tight end Sam LaPorta continued to show why he was drafted high in the second round. Undrafted receiver Dylan Drummond is making a case for a spot on the 53-man roster. He has a good catch radius and the ability to make catches in traffic.  

Undrafted free agent cornerback Starling Thomas V frustrated Giants receivers during joint practices. His physical play on the ball during team and individual drills was noticeable during the two days at Allen Park. Thomas is making a strong case to make the team.

2023 second-round draft pick Brian Branch was the best rookie on the Lions defense over the two days of practice. 

Among the veterans, second-year defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was a menace to the Giants offensive line and quarterback Daniel Jones. Hutchinson registered non-contact sacks on both days of joint practice. 

On Friday night at Ford Field in Detroit, the Giants will face the Lions in the first preseason game for both teams.