Four Undrafted Rookies Still Available Who Could Actually Help the Lions
The Lions are sitting on four open roster spots right now. With the international player exemption for Ahmed Hassanein, they actually have 91 spots to work with instead of the usual 90. And since Brad Holmes probably isn’t looking to fill those with aging veterans, there are still some undrafted players floating around who could be worth a flyer.
Here are four guys who could walk into Allen Park and make this roster better.
Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
This one is the head scratcher of the entire draft class. Health concerns scared teams away, but without those red flags, Corleone was being mocked as high as the second round. The fact that he’s still unsigned is genuinely shocking.
The Lions need interior depth behind Alim McNeill and the crew. Holmes was reportedly interested in Corleone during the pre-draft process, which means the homework is already done. Sometimes the best moves are the obvious ones staring you in the face.
Damarcus Lacey, WR, Marshall
Yeah, the receiver room looks pretty set with Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the way and Jameson Williams ready for his breakout. But Holmes hasn’t stopped looking, bringing in veterans just a couple weeks ago.
Lacey brings versatility that could shake up the back end of the roster. He can push Kendrick Law, Dominic Lovett, Jacob Saylors, and Greg Dortch for kick and punt return duties. Plus he can line up at both receiver and running back, which is exactly the kind of chess piece Dan Campbell loves to deploy.
Michael Shimek, Edge, Ashland
Division II defensive player of the year with 70 tackles, 13 sacks, four forced fumbles, and six pass breakups. The Lions have shown they don’t care about the size of your school if you can play. Remember, this franchise has a history of finding gems in smaller programs.
Behind Aidan Hutchinson and the established guys, there’s always room for a pass rusher who can contribute on special teams and develop into something more. Shimek has the production to back up the hype.
Patrick Payton, Edge, LSU
Here’s the tricky one. Payton struggled at LSU, but he had four productive seasons at Florida State before transferring. The talent is there, the question is whether the Lions can unlock the version of him that dominated in Tallahassee instead of the one who disappointed in Baton Rouge.
Sometimes a change of scenery is all a player needs. And if anyone can coach up a guy with talent but inconsistent production, it’s this coaching staff.
Think Holmes pulls the trigger on any of these guys or are we overthinking four roster spots that might just stay empty until camp cuts start flying? Let me know which one you’d sign first.
