Which Lions player will make the biggest leap? – Macomb daily

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch celebrates his interception in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. (GERALD HERBERT – AP Photo, File)

The first day of summer has arrived, which means training camp for each of the NFL’s 32 franchises is quickly approaching.

For the Lions, training camp begins on Saturday, July 20 from their practice facility in Allen Park. The rookies report first, followed by the veterans on Tuesday, July 23.

With camp just a month away, we’re taking a closer look at a few burning Lions questions:

Which Lions player will make the biggest leap in 2024?

This may not be common as he had a great season last year. But I’m going with second-year defenseman Brian Branch.

Branch proved to be an adept defender against both the run and pass while manning the nickel corner position a season ago. He came through with three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, 13 passes defended, a sack and a forced fumble. And for his efforts, he earned a 78.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, including a 76.0 coverage grade and an 83.6 against the run grade.

It was a standout rookie campaign from the Alabama product. And yes, I believe he can be even better going into his second season as a pro.

This upcoming season, Branch is expected to take on a more hybrid role in the Lions’ secondary. Due to the departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason, I wouldn’t be surprised if Branch gets plenty of reps at safety in 2024.

It wasn’t something he had to do much during his rookie campaign. Still, I think the talented defender is more than up to the challenge. As the ’24 season progresses, I believe Branch will continue to get better at the role and ultimately excel at it.

He is the real deal, and he will show that again in his second campaign as a professional.

Detroit Lions cornerback Morice Norris, No. 39, waits for a drill during an NFL rookie football practice, Friday, May 10, 2024, in Allen Park, Michigan. (CARLOS OSORIO – AP Photo)

Which UDFA could surprise and take the Lions’ season opener?

I’m going with cornerback Morice Norris Jr. A physical corner from Fresno State, Norris fits the mold of a Dan Campbell-type player. By all accounts, he has the grit and ruthless, never-say-die attitude of a Campbell-type player. And there is evidence of this exemplary work ethic from Norris, with him being caught working on his game long after practice last spring.

From a skill perspective, he also appears to have what it takes to make the Lions’ season opener.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and 198 pounds, Norris was a second-team All-Mountain West performer in his senior season at Fresno State. During the aforementioned campaign, he recorded 59 total tackles, including 9.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two interceptions and 10 passes defensed. Additionally, he collected 17.5 tackles for loss over his last two seasons.

During his time with the Bulldogs, he also showed the ability to play both in the slot and on the perimeter.

Norris’ versatile and physical nature should give him a legitimate shot at cracking Detroit’s season-opening 53-man roster.

This article was produced by the Sports Illustrated/All Lions staff. For more information, visit si.com/nfl/lions

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Which Lions player will make the biggest leap? – Macomb daily

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