UDFAs With a Pulse: Who Actually Has a Shot This Time
For the first time in 15 years, not a single undrafted rookie made the Lions’ initial roster in 2025. That’s right. Zero. After decades of undrafted gems like Zach Zenner and Jason Huntley at least getting a cup of coffee, the 2025 UDFA class got completely shut out.
But here’s the thing about Brad Holmes: the man doesn’t waste opportunities. Several of those players are still hanging around on the 90-man roster, still chasing that dream. Jackson Meeks, Kye Robichaux, Zach Horton, and Mason Miller all survived the purge and got another shot.
Now they’ve got company. Nine new undrafted rookies just signed their contracts, and our Pride of Detroit colleagues broke down which ones might actually stick around long enough to matter.
The Trenches Tell the Story
Two names keep coming up, and they’re both big boys who can move people around. DT Aidan Keanaaina is drawing the most attention, and for good reason. With DJ Reader and Roy Lopez gone, the Lions need someone who can eat up space and make running backs think twice about the A-gap.
Keanaaina brings 320 pounds of California beef and nearly 1,000 snaps of experience holding down the fort for Cal. The Lions threw $300,000 guaranteed at him, which tells you they see something. That’s not coffee money in the UDFA world.
EDGE Anthony Lucas also caught some eyes, ranking as the 160th overall prospect on consensus boards. With the Lions adding Derrick Moore in the second round and signing DJ Wonnum in free agency, there’s still room for Lucas to make an impression in camp and earn a role.
Tight End Depth That Actually Makes Sense
Miles Kitselman from Tennessee keeps popping up in these conversations, and honestly, it tracks. The Lions love their 13 personnel packages, and with Sam LaPorta commanding double teams, having a reliable blocking tight end who can sneak out for a route makes plenty of sense.
Kitselman isn’t going to replace LaPorta anytime soon, but he could push Brock Wright for backup snaps if he proves he can handle the dirty work in the trenches and catch a ball when his number gets called.
The Preseason Hero Angle
QB Luke Altmyer might not make the roster, but he could end up being the most visible UDFA all summer. With Jared Goff likely sitting out most of the preseason and Teddy Bridgewater not needing extensive reps, Altmyer will get serious playing time when the lights are on.
That matters more than you think. Evaluating depth was impossible because of how poorly Hendon Hooker played. If Altmyer can just be competent, it’ll help the coaching staff figure out who else deserves roster spots.
Look, expecting any UDFA to make an immediate impact is asking for trouble in this town. We’ve been hurt too many times by guys who looked great in shorts and t-shirts. But Holmes and Campbell have earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to finding talent in unexpected places.
Which UDFA do you think has the best shot at sticking around, or are we all just setting ourselves up for disappointment again? Drop your take below.
Okay I’m actually hyped about Keanaaina getting that 300k. That’s real money in UDFA terms and it means Holmes sees something worth protecting. We need bodies in the trenches badly after losing DJ and Roy, so if this guy can just hold down the middle and not completely embarrass himself, I’m here for it.
Look I want to believe as much as anyone but let’s pump the brakes on the Kitselman hype. Blocking tight ends are a dime a dozen and we’ve seen plenty of guys look decent in camp then disappear. Campbell knows what he’s doing but I’m not holding my breath on this one.
Man it’s wild seeing the Lions actually invest in finding talent this way instead of just letting guys walk. Back in my day we’d just give up on guys and move on. Holmes and Campbell doing something different and I respect it even if it doesn’t all work out. Altmyer getting real reps this summer could actually tell us something useful for once.
I love that we’re actually being aggressive with these UDFAs instead of just settling. Lucas and Keanaaina both have legit shots to contribute and that’s the kind of depth building that wins games down the stretch. This is smart roster management.