The Detroit Lions' Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) class of 2026 is a fascinating group of players, each with their own unique story and potential. With nine UDFAs on the roster and more to come, the Lions have a challenging task of predicting which of these players will make the cut for the initial 53-man roster. Using a model developed by Arif Hasan, we can gain insight into the likelihood of each UDFA making the team. However, it's important to remember that these predictions are based on historical data and may not always be accurate.
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of guaranteed money in a UDFA's contract. Only two Lions UDFAs, DT Aidan Keanaaina and LB Erick Hunter, have earned guaranteed money, which gives them a slight edge in the competition. Keanaaina, in particular, stands out as a strong contender due to the team's lack of investment in a nose tackle and his impressive size and defensive capabilities.
Another interesting player is EDGE Anthony Lucas, who was ranked as the Lions' highest-rated UDFA on Hasan's big board. While his guaranteed money is currently $0, the team is wagering on his prototypical NFL size and potential for development. Similarly, QB Luke Altmyer has a reputation as a smart quarterback with mobility, and as long as he performs well in training camp and the preseason, he could stick around as a developmental backup.
TE Miles Kitselman also has an intriguing path to the roster, despite the Lions being set with their top three tight ends. Kitselman has a real chance to justify a TE4 spot, and his balanced workload between blocking and receiving at Tennessee makes him a player capable of filling most tight end roles. EDGE Eric O'Neill is another intriguing prospect, having had an impressive 2024 season at James Madison, despite less productive numbers at Rutgers.
However, it's important to note that some of these players are long shots. CB De'Shawn Rucker, for example, has a low probability of making the roster due to his limited experience and inability to crack the starting lineup at Tennessee. Similarly, DB Aamaris Brown and OL Melvin Priestly have similar versatility and size, but their low Consensus Big Board rankings and lack of guaranteed money make them less likely to make the team.
In conclusion, the Detroit Lions' UDFA class is a fascinating group of players with varying levels of potential and likelihood of making the roster. While some players stand out as strong contenders, others are long shots with limited experience and fewer guarantees. As the team continues to evaluate these players, it will be interesting to see which ones rise to the top and earn a spot on the initial 53-man roster.
