The Detroit Lions' Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) class of 2026 is a diverse group, with varying levels of talent and potential. This year's class is particularly intriguing as it includes nine players, and the team still has a few remaining roster spots, which could lead to more UDFAs being signed. Predicting their chances of making the roster is a challenging task, given that all these players went undrafted for a reason. However, Arif Hasan's method, based on guaranteed money and Consensus Big Board rankings, provides a fascinating insight into their potential success.
Here's a breakdown of each UDFA's probability of making the roster, ranked from highest to lowest:
DT Aidan Keanaaina, Cal
- Guaranteed Money: $267,500
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 545
- Probability: 15.4% Keanaaina's top ranking is well-deserved. With the Lions' lack of investment in a nose tackle this offseason, and the losses of DJ Reader and Roy Lopez in free agency, Keanaaina's 320-pound frame provides a clear route to the 53-man roster.
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 contender for a special teams role early on. His path to the roster is realistic, given the team's relatively thin depth at linebacker.
EDGE Anthony Lucas, USC
- Guaranteed Money: $0
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 160
- Probability: 12.4% Lucas, the Lions' highest-ranked UDFA, is projected as a fifth-round talent. His 6-foot-5, 256-pound frame is a strong NFL prototype, despite his underperformance at USC compared to his projected potential.
QB Luke Altmyer, Illinois
- Guaranteed Money: $0
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 242
- Probability: 9.8% Altmyer's competition for the QB3 spot is unlikely to be fierce, but his reputation as a smart quarterback with some mobility makes him a strong developmental backup candidate.
TE Miles Kitselman, Tennessee
- Guaranteed Money: $0
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 313
- Probability: 8.2% Kitselman's path to the roster is intriguing. While the Lions are set with their top three tight ends, Kitselman's balanced workload at Tennessee and his lack of competition make him a strong contender for the TE4 spot.
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, with 52 tackles, 13 sacks, and 18.5 tackles for loss, makes him an intriguing prospect. His development from community college to D1 school shows potential for further growth.
CB De'Shawn Rucker, USF
- Guaranteed Money: $0
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 646
- Probability: 4.1% Rucker's fast speed and versatility at both outside and nickel positions are notable. However, his inability to crack the starting lineup at Tennessee suggests a long shot for the 53-man roster.
DB Aamaris Brown, UNLV
- Guaranteed Money: $0
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 724
- Probability: 3.5% Brown's inside/outside versatility and size (5-foot-9, 197 pounds) make him a versatile player. His potential to contribute at both positions is an interesting prospect.
OL Melvin Priestly, Illinois
- Guaranteed Money: $0
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 821
- Probability: 2.9% Priestly's future position is uncertain, but his climb from tackle to guard will be a challenging task. The team's heavy investment in those positions leaves little room for him unless he excels in training camp.
