Which UDFAs have the best chance of making the Lions roster?
The Detroit Lions make it clear: undrafted rookies have every chance of making the final 53-man roster.
During Brad Holmes’ and Dan Campbell’s tenures, at least one UDFA has made the roster out of training camp. As in 2023, several more remained on the team’s practice squad before making their professional debuts later in the year, either as elevations or active roster acquisitions.
With a new crop arriving for the 2024 season, plenty of intriguing potential stories are expected. Here are five undrafted free agents who could make the Lions roster when they break camp for the regular season.
WR Isaiah Williams
Williams was given a large sum of guaranteed money to sign with the Lions, which typically implies that the head management values the player highly. Williams, a converted quarterback, possesses an intriguing skill set that could meet the Lions’ needs.
He isn’t the biggest wide receiver, measuring 5-foot-9 at the NFL combine in February. However, he demonstrated explosiveness with a 38-inch vertical and plays considerably faster on tape than his 4.63 40-yard sprint suggests.
The Lions have one of the best slot receivers in the league in Amon-Ra St. Brown, so offense wouldn’t be an immediate need. However, he has the athleticism to help out on coverage units and potentially in the return game. He was also a 1,000-yard receiver last year, so there’s no discounting his potential impact down the line, either.
C Kingsley Eguakun
Offensive line depth was an area the Lions targeted heavily in the draft. However, one spot they did not use a pick on was the center position. With Frank Ragnow dealing with multiple injuries last year, insurance is never a bad thing.
The Lions have one of the best slot receivers in the league in Amon-Ra St. Brown, so offense wouldn’t be an immediate need. However, he has the athleticism to help out on coverage units and potentially in the return game. He was also a 1,000-yard receiver last year, so there’s no discounting his potential impact down the line, either.
C Kingsley Eguakun
Offensive line depth was an area the Lions targeted heavily in the draft. However, one spot they did not use a pick on was the center position. With Frank Ragnow dealing with multiple injuries last year, insurance is never a bad thing.
As things are, Graham Glasgow is the team’s backup center. Though Glasgow has proven to be more than capable of taking on the role, he is also one of the club’s starting guards and would benefit the squad by remaining in his native position.
This may explain why the Lions signed three UDFA centers, including Eguakun. The Florida product is the most polished and effective run-blocker among the three choices.
As things are, Graham Glasgow is the team’s backup center. Though Glasgow has proven himself more than capable of filling the role, he is also one of the club’s starting guards and would benefit the squad by staying in his natural position.
This could help explain why the Lions signed three UDFA centers, including Eguakun. The Florida product is the most polished and effective run-blocker of the three options.
