Rookie report: Detroit’s rookies made their NFL debut on Thursday, including top-two picks Terrion Arnold (first round) and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (second), who both started the game at the two outside cornerback positions.
Arnold played the first two defensive series before giving way to the experienced Khalil Dorsey. Arnold was not tackled in his two series of work. Rakestraw played both outside and nickel into the second half. He finished with two tackles.
Fourth-round pick Sione Vaki had some really nice runs where he showed off his agility, gaining 29 rushing yards on just four carries for an average of 7.3 yards per carry. Rookie offensive lineman Giovanni Manu held his own at left tackle in the second half, but was penalized for a false start in the fourth quarter.
Rookie wide receiver Isaiah Williams, who was not selected in the draft, caught four passes for 35 yards.
Important statistics: Aside from the one big run by Gray, Detroit’s defense played pretty well all game, especially on third downs. The Giants managed just 1 of 10 third downs in the game and had 250 total yards of offense.
Injury report: Hooker left the game after his second drive of the second half, went to the medical tent and then to the locker room. He never returned to the game.
Also eliminated from the competition due to injuries are sophomore wide receiver Antoine Green, defensive lineman David Bada and offensive lineman Connor Galvin, who was carted off the field.
