Brian Branch

Outsiders were puzzled by the Lions' 2023 draft class, but Gibbs, LaPorta, Brian Branch and Jack Campbell have had standout seasons.

Stroud, Puka Nacua, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jalen Carter, Will Anderson Jr. — the 2023 draft class produced a ton of talented, early-impact players.

C.J. Stroud, Jalen Carter and Bijan Robinson are among the rookie standouts so far. Who else is thriving early in their careers?

The Lions are 3-1 and atop the NFC North after the first quarter of the 2023 season, with room to continue to improve in certain areas.

The Lions will be relying on a handful of rookies this year, but the stars of the group so far have been two second-round picks.

Aidan Hutchinson and Brian Branch were among the players "hungry" to show Detroit could be better than it was in last week's loss.

Detroit kept its poise Thursday in a 21-20 win over the defending Super Bowl champs. "We knew what we needed to do," Dan Campbell said.

Okwara's three sacks Friday made him a standout performer. Meanwhile, the Nate Sudfeld-Jameson Williams connection couldn't click.

The teams met Tuesday for the first of two workouts together in Allen Park, where Detroit's defense was fired up by its performance.

What has been standing out in Allen Park: Jared Goff's leadership, the talent of Detroit's newest running backs and a UDFA cornerback.