Brian Branch and Jahmyr Gibbs have some other things in common besides playing for Alabama in 2022 as they start their NFL careers with the Detroit Lions. Both missed the second day of the Lions’ rookie minicamp on Saturday because of injuries, and neither was picked in right spot in the NFL Draft, according to expectations.

Detroit sidelined its Crimson Tide rookies as a precaution after they worked on Friday. Gibbs had an ankle tweak that the Lions labeled as “no big issue.” Branch’s injury was undisclosed, but he seemed more upset about having to sit out practice than about his ailment.

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“I hate that I’m not practicing today,” Branch said during a Saturday press conference. “It hurts because yesterday I practiced, and each practice I want to get better. Just knowing I wasn’t able to practice today, I wasn’t able to get better and play with the team, my teammates.”

Detroit used the 12th pick in the NFL Draft on April 27 to obtain Gibbs. That was too soon for the running back, according to projections, and Gibbs said he was “shocked” to be selected so soon.

“I heard it,” Gibbs said about the criticism of the choice. “Everybody’s entitled to their opinion. I really don’t care.”

The Lions got Branch in the second round on April 28 with the 45th overall selection, and the defensive back does care about where he was picked, which was later than predicted.

RELATED: AFTER FIRST-ROUND DISAPPOINTMENT, BRIAN BRANCH HAPPY HE RETURNED

Asked if he would carry a “chip on his shoulder” because of his draft status, Branch said: “Yes, sir, it’s going to be with me forever.”

Branch said it showed him “nothing is granted. You got to go hard every day, give 100 percent effort every day, and knowing that, I think, will help me thrive at this level.”

Branch was thankful for the one day of practice he did get.

“It feels good,” Branch said about starting work with the Lions. “It feels surreal, to be honest. It didn’t hit me when I got drafted, but now it’s starting to hit me, just being out here playing football again.

“Thank God we’re playing football again. That’s what I’m most excited about.”

Branch said he was intent on learning all the positions in the Detroit secondary. Ray Agnew, the Lions’ assistant general manager, said that ability was one of the qualities that made Branch an attractive addition.

“Versatility and the play-making ability,” Agnew said when asked about Branch on Saturday. “He’s an instinctive player. He makes plays all over the field. He can play multiple spots. He’s a tough kid, a gritty kid and just a play-maker.

“And you like those Alabama guys. They got good football players there.”

Before picking their other “Alabama guy” in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Lions already had lost Jamaal Williams, last season’s leading rusher, in free agency. After selecting Gibbs, the Lions traded No. 2 rusher D’Andre Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles. Detroit also added a running back in free agency by signing David Montgomery from the Chicago Bears.

“I smile about Gibbs every time I watch him play,” Agnew said. “You could see him move around, you could see him do some stuff yesterday. I mean, the kid is gifted, so right now that’s what you get mostly out of it. He’s learning the system. He’s got a lot to learn, so we’ll take time and let him get acclimated and see where he goes.”

The Lions are scheduled to start the season on Sept. 7, when they visit the Kansas City Chiefs. Detroit got the assignment to oppose the defending Super Bowl champion in the kickoff game for the 2023 NFL season even though the Lions haven’t been to the playoffs since 2016 and most recently won a postseason game on Jan. 5, 1992.

“It’s going to be a great challenge for us in where we want to be moving forward, like, where we want to go to,” Gibbs said. “I think that’ll set the tone for the season. …

“I think it shows that they see that we’re on the come-up, and we’re trying to build something special.”

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.