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 and a few roster spots still available, the Lions have an intriguing challenge on their hands: predicting which of these players will make the cut and contribute to the team's success. While it's difficult to predict the future, I'll provide my analysis and commentary on each UDFA's chances of making the roster, ranked from highest to lowest probability.
Aidan Keanaaina, DT (Cal)
Aidan Keanaaina stands out as a strong contender for the roster, and his ranking is well-deserved. With guaranteed money of $267,500 and a Consensus Big Board ranking of 545, Keanaaina has already demonstrated his value. The Lions' lack of investment in a nose tackle this offseason, coupled with the losses of DJ Reader and Roy Lopez in free agency, creates a clear path to the 53-man roster for Keanaaina. His size and defensive capabilities make him a visible asset, and I believe his performance will be a key factor in the team's success.
Erick Hunter, LB (Morgan State)
Erick Hunter has a realistic chance of making the roster, especially considering the Lions' relatively thin depth at linebacker. While he'll need to adjust to the NFL level, his high-end athleticism and motor make him a strong candidate for a special teams role early on. With guaranteed money of $175,000 and a Consensus Big Board ranking of 414, Hunter has the potential to contribute to the team's success, and I'm intrigued to see how he performs in training camp and the preseason.
Anthony Lucas, EDGE (USC)
Anthony Lucas is an interesting prospect, and his ranking on the big board is a strong indicator of his potential. With a Consensus Big Board ranking of 160, Lucas is projected as a fifth-round talent, and the Lions are wagering on his prototypical NFL size. While his career at USC may not have lived up to expectations, Detroit's investment in his potential is a fascinating development. I'm curious to see how he performs in the NFL and whether he can live up to the hype.
Luke Altmyer, QB (Illinois)
Luke Altmyer has a reputation as a smart quarterback with mobility, and his ranking on the big board (242) suggests a strong developmental potential. While it's unlikely the Lions will carry three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, Altmyer's competition for the QB3 spot is currently unopposed. As long as he doesn't blow training camp and the preseason, he's a strong bet to stick around on the practice squad. I'm intrigued to see how he performs in the NFL and whether he can develop into a reliable backup.
Miles Kitselman, TE (Tennessee)
Miles Kitselman has an intriguing path to the roster, especially considering the Lions' likely set with TE1-3. With guaranteed money of $0 and a Consensus Big Board ranking of 313, Kitselman has a very real chance to justify a TE4 spot. His balanced workload between blocking and receiving at Tennessee makes him a versatile player, and I'm curious to see how he performs in the NFL. I believe he has the potential to grow into a player capable of filling most tight end roles.
Eric O'Neill, EDGE (Rutgers)
Eric O'Neill is an intriguing prospect, and his incredible 2024 season at James Madison is a strong indicator of his potential. While he was less productive at Rutgers last season, his climb from community college to D1 school is a testament to his development. Given his impressive performance at James Madison, I believe there is certainly hope for further development in the NFL. I'm curious to see how he performs in the NFL and whether he can live up to the hype.
De'Shawn Rucker, CB (USF)
De'Shawn Rucker is a fast and versatile player with experience at both outside and nickel positions. However, his inability to crack the starting lineup at Tennessee before transferring to USF raises some questions. While his ranking on the big board (646) suggests a long shot, I'm intrigued to see how he performs in the NFL and whether he can contribute to the team's success.
Aamaris Brown, DB (UNLV)
Aamaris Brown has similar inside/outside versatility and a unique physique at 5-foot-9, 197 pounds. While his ranking on the big board (724) suggests a lower probability, I'm curious to see how he performs against NFL receivers. I believe his versatility and physicality make him a strong candidate for the roster, and I'm intrigued to see how he develops in the NFL.
Melvin Priestly, OL (Illinois)
Melvin Priestly's ranking on the big board (821) suggests a tough climb for the former Illini. With guaranteed money of $0, Detroit's investment in both tackle and guard positions this offseason leaves little room for Priestly, unless he balls out in the summer. I'm curious to see how he performs in training camp and the preseason, and whether he can make a case for the roster.
In conclusion, the Detroit Lions' UDFA class of 2026 is a fascinating group of players, each with their own unique story and potential. While it's difficult to predict the future, I've provided my analysis and commentary on each UDFA's chances of making the roster. From Aidan Keanaaina's strong contender status to De'Shawn Rucker's long shot, each player has the potential to contribute to the team's success in their own way. I'm intrigued to see how they perform in the NFL and whether they can live up to the hype.
