The Detroit Lions are strategically expanding their roster by integrating a cohort of undrafted free agents (UDFAs) into their team, a move that follows their seven selections in the recent 2026 NFL Draft. These nine promising first-year players are scheduled to join the Lions for Organized Team Activities (OTAs) later this month, aiming to carve out their places in the competitive professional football landscape. While securing a spot as a rookie UDFA is challenging, the Lions organization has a proven track record of nurturing such talent, with several undrafted players successfully making regular season appearances since General Manager Brad Holmes took the helm. This deep dive explores the backgrounds and potential contributions of each of these new acquisitions, offering insights into their collegiate careers and their prospects with the Lions.
Luke Altmyer, a highly-regarded quarterback from Illinois, headlines the UDFA class. Altmyer, a four-star recruit from the Class of 2021, distinguished himself during his collegiate tenure, particularly at Illinois where he led the team to 23 victories as a starter over three seasons. His impressive statistics, including a 64.4% career completion rate, 7,607 passing yards, and 57 touchdowns, place him among the top quarterbacks in Illinois' history. With a strong command of a pro-style offense and a knack for clutch performances, Altmyer is poised to develop under the guidance of seasoned quarterbacks Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater.
The defensive backfield sees the addition of Aamaris Brown from UNLV, a versatile cornerback who transitioned to a slot-centric role in 2025. Brown's adaptability allows him to play both inside and outside, offering valuable flexibility to the Lions' defense. His standout 2025 season included 52 tackles, four interceptions—two of which were returned for touchdowns—and a low passer rating allowed, highlighting his effectiveness in coverage. Similarly, Erick Hunter, a linebacker from Morgan State, brings an impressive defensive pedigree. Hunter, an FCS All-American, excelled in tackles and tackles for loss, demonstrating strong pass-rushing capabilities and exceptional athletic metrics that would have ranked him highly at the NFL Combine. His extensive experience on special teams further enhances his value.
On the defensive line, Aidan Keanaaina from Cal joins the Lions after a six-year collegiate career. Keanaaina, a robust interior defender, became a full-time starter at Cal, where he showcased his run-stopping prowess and consistent pressure on opposing offenses. His remarkable discipline, committing only one penalty throughout his college career, coupled with his size and experience, makes him a strong candidate for providing crucial depth behind starting defensive tackles Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams. Another defensive addition is Anthony Lucas, an edge rusher from USC, who possesses NFL-caliber size and a powerful pass-rushing style that aligns well with the Lions' defensive scheme. Lucas demonstrated significant improvement in 2025, recording all three of his career sacks and a solid win rate as a pass rusher, indicating his potential to contribute opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
The offensive side gains Miles Kitselman, a tight end from Tennessee, known for his blocking abilities and consistent receiving contributions. Kitselman, who previously played at Alabama, became a key player for the Vols, collecting 48 catches and six touchdowns over two seasons. His playing style, often attached to the offensive line or in the backfield, mirrors that of current Lions tight end Brock Wright, suggesting he could fill a similar role. In the offensive line, Melvin Priestly from Illinois, despite primarily playing tackle in college, is projected to transition to an interior lineman role. Priestly's versatility to play guard or center and his improved penalty discipline from his time at Grambling State make him a valuable prospect for offensive line depth, as he showcased strong pass-blocking efficiency in 2025. Finally, De’Shawn Rucker, a defensive back from USF, offers significant versatility across various defensive back positions. His impressive speed, highlighted by a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, and his performance in coverage for the Bulls in 2025, suggest he could be a significant asset to the Lions' secondary.
This incoming class of undrafted free agents represents a strategic effort by the Detroit Lions to cultivate talent beyond the traditional draft process. Each player brings a unique skill set and a compelling collegiate history, with the potential to not only make the roster but also significantly impact the team's performance. Their journey from collegiate standout to professional hopeful will be closely watched as they enter OTAs, embodying the resilience and determination required to succeed in the NFL.
