The Detroit Lions' Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) class for the 2026 season is a diverse group, with varying levels of talent and potential. This year, the Lions have taken a chance on nine UDFAs, with the possibility of adding more as they fill out their roster. Predicting their success is a challenging task, given the nature of the UDFA pool, but one method has shown promise in assessing their chances of making the initial 53-man roster.
Arif Hasan's model, based on guaranteed money and Consensus Big Board rankings, provides an interesting insight into the Lions' UDFAs. However, it's important to note that contract details may still be preliminary, and the Lions' lack of a rookie minicamp could impact the availability of information.
Here's a breakdown of each UDFA's chances, ranked from highest to lowest probability of making the roster:
DT Aidan Keanaaina, Cal
- Guaranteed Money: $267,500
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 545
- Probability: 15.4% Keanaaina's guaranteed money and his ranking in the Big Board make him a strong contender. With the Lions' need for a nose tackle after losing DJ Reader and Roy Lopez in free agency, Keanaaina's size and potential fit are notable.
LB Erick Hunter, Morgan State
- Guaranteed Money: $175,000
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 414
- Probability: 13.3% Hunter's high-end athleticism and motor make him a strong candidate for a special teams role. His ranking and guaranteed money suggest a realistic path to the roster, especially with the Lions' thin depth at linebacker.
EDGE Anthony Lucas, USC
- Guaranteed Money: $0
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 160
- Probability: 12.4% Lucas is a high-ranked UDFA, projected as a fifth-round talent. His size and potential fit in Detroit make him an intriguing prospect, despite his lower production at USC.
QB Luke Altmyer, Illinois
- Guaranteed Money: $0
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 242
- Probability: 9.8% Altmyer's competition for the QB3 spot is minimal, and his reputation as a smart quarterback with mobility makes him a strong developmental candidate.
TE Miles Kitselman, Tennessee
- Guaranteed Money: $0
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 313
- Probability: 8.2% Kitselman's balanced workload at Tennessee and his competition with inexperienced players make him a potential TE4 candidate. His development could be key for the Lions' tight end depth.
EDGE Eric O'Neill, Rutgers
- Guaranteed Money: $0
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 345
- Probability: 7.7% O'Neill's impressive 2024 season at James Madison stands out, but his production at Rutgers was less impressive. His development from community college to D1 could be a key factor in his chances.
CB De'Shawn Rucker, USF
- Guaranteed Money: $0
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 646
- Probability: 4.1% Rucker's versatility and speed are notable, but his inability to crack the starting lineup at Tennessee may impact his chances. His potential as a nickel corner is worth considering.
DB Aamaris Brown, UNLV
- Guaranteed Money: $0
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 724
- Probability: 3.5% Brown's versatility and size make him a candidate for both inside and outside positions. His potential as a 'dawg' player is an interesting prospect.
OL Melvin Priestly, Illinois
- Guaranteed Money: $0
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 821
- Probability: 2.9% Priestly's position and the Lions' heavy investment in offensive line positions make his path to the roster challenging. His performance in the summer will be crucial.
The remaining UDFAs have even slimmer chances, with a collective 9.5% probability of making the roster over the past five years. This list highlights the varying levels of talent and the challenges faced by the Lions in assessing their UDFA class.
