Detroit Lions UDFA rookies ranked by chances of making the team

Strickland is hoping to make the jump from Ball State, and D-II University of Indianapolis before that, as a playmaking safety. Known as “Hit Stick” in college for his ability to deliver huge licks, the compactly built Strickland will need to show a lot more instinctive play and range and in coverage than he did in the spring if he’s to stick on the practice squad.

Ukwu signed as an athletically gifted developmental project signed by Detroit after transferring to Ole Miss from James Madison. The tools were visible during rookie minicamp, but he’s looking up at a lot of players on the depth chart, including another UDFA.

The wideout from Duke faces pretty long odds to make the 53-man roster as a slot receiver and return specialist, but he does have practice squad potential and upside. Caloun did make a couple of really nice catches during minicamp.

Gilbert played as a hybrid safety/LB in college at Northern Illinois, but he’s worked exclusively at linebacker in Detroit. At 218 pounds and not exceptionally fast, Gilbert will need to make a big mark on special teams to have any chance.

Clemens brings three seasons of starting center experience to a Lions squad that doesn’t have a defined backup to All-Pro Frank Ragnow. He also offers some experience at guard and brings quickness and pulling ability to the mix. He did not snap well in minicamp, hurting his chances.

A college teammate of Lions OL Colby Sorsdal at William & Mary, Lynn played all over the line in the Tribe’s defense. The 250-pounder showed a decent first step and hand usage in OTAs, as well as the ability to win against the inside shoulder of the tackle.

Garnes hasn’t been able to show off his best attribute in the largely non-contact spring sessions. He’s a well-built enforcer type of downhill safety, and preseason will be his chance to show enough of that to overcome his relative athletic stiffness in coverage. Garnes could emerge as a practice squad future for special teams.

An experienced guard/center who comes from a pro-style offense, Hudson brings decent footwork and a desired toughness to either interior OL position. His relative lack of quickness and strength are working against him.

Hudson does have a slight bonus factor to his advantage: he played with Lions backup QB Hendon Hooker at Virginia Tech back in 2019 before both men transferred.

Norris can play all over the secondary, which he did very capably at Fresno State. In Detroit, he’s worked as both a slot and a safety — sort of a reserve to versatile Brian Branch while the 2023 rookie standout missed time. Norris could really shine once hitting is allowed; he led Fresno State in TFLs in 2023 and has already impressed on special teams non-contact coverage units.

A natural center who also played some guard at Florida, his all-around skills are the highest of the competing UDFAs. Eguakun saw some second-team reps at center during minicamp with starter Frank Ragnow sidelined. The Lions paid Eguakun a nice signing bonus, which augments his chances.

The Lions gave Williams a hefty signing bonus, and that alone boosts his chances. He’s in the mix to be the top reserve slot receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, fighting with vets Maurice Alexander and Tom Kennedy for that honor.

Where Williams can make the 53-man roster is on special teams. He’s a proven weapon as a return man, using his quickness and balance to sashay for big yardage on punt and kick returns.

Hatten has perhaps the easiest path to making the team. He’s only got one player to beat out, incumbent long snapper Scott Daly. During the spring sessions, Hatten didn’t have one errant snap in workouts open to the media. Daly, who missed a lot of time in 2023, couldn’t match that feat.