The Detroit Lions are done with the 2026 NFL Draft, but there are still a few new additions being made to the team. The focus now shifts to undrafted free agents.

The Detroit Lions saw a long streak (15 years) end last year as no UDFA got into the initial 53-man roster despite signing 11 players. Now, with nine new UDFAs and a clear focus on the secondary, the franchise looks ready to reset that standard heading into the new season.

1. Anthony Lucas (Edge, USC)

Anthony Lucas took an unusual path, starting football late but rising as a top recruit. At USC, he was involved in 39 games across three seasons, finishing with 37 tackles, three sacks, and 3.5 tackles-for-loss last year.

2. Eric O’Neill (Edge, Rutgers)

Eric O’Neill built his career step by step, moving through different programs before reaching Rutgers. Over two seasons, he produced 15.5 sacks, 28 tackles-for-loss, and 89 total tackles, showing he can create problems for offenses consistently.

3. Melvin Priestly (OL, Illinois)

Melvin Priestly brings solid experience after playing in 26 games at Illinois. Before that, he played at Grambling State. He allowed just two sacks on 288 pass plays, showing strong protection skills that could help him compete for a depth role.

4. Erick Hunter (LB, Morgan State)

Erick Hunter showed strong growth during his college career. In 2025, he delivered 102 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, four sacks, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles, proving he can impact both run defense and passing situations effectively.

5. Aidan Keanaaina (DL, California)

Aidan Keanaaina started every game over two seasons at California after transferring from Notre Dame.

He recorded 56 tackles, including 2.5 tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks, last year.

6. Aamaris Brown (DB, UNLV)

Aamaris Brown brings versatility after playing at multiple schools. In 2025, he had 52 total tackles with an impressive two touchdown interceptions.

7. Luke Altmyer (QB, Illinois)

Luke Altmyer became a three-year starter at Illinois after beginning at Ole Miss. In 2025, he threw for 3,007 yards with 22 touchdowns, having just five interceptions, while also adding rushing yards and five scores on the ground.

8. Miles Kitselman (TE, Tennessee)

Miles Kitselman took a long path through junior college and major programs before Tennessee. He finished with 48 receptions for 554 yards and six touchdowns in his time at Tennessee.

9. De’Shawn Rucker (CB, USF)

De’Shawn Rucker brings starting experience after time at Tennessee and South Florida. In 2025, he recorded 58 tackles, added four pass deflections, and grabbed an interception.

Over the years, Detroit has made a name for making impressive draft moves, but this is post-draft territory.

History shows undrafted players get real chances, but recent history points to the contrary. If a few step up early, the Lions could find value and depth from this UDFA class.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote