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Detroit Lions: Which undrafted free agents will make the final roster?

By Forrester Solmen

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 01: Defensive lineman JoJo Wicker #1 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates his tackle on the USC Trojans for a loss during the first quarter at Los Angeles Coliseum on October 1, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 01: Defensive lineman JoJo Wicker #1 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates his tackle on the USC Trojans for a loss during the first quarter at Los Angeles Coliseum on October 1, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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There were plenty of solid undrafted free agents in a draft class flooded with talent. The Detroit Lions got their hands on a few of those guys.

Another Bob Quinn draft is in the books. The draft is only the beginning of the offseason. Overall, the Detroit Lions made some solid moves, including some undrafted free agent signings.

Every year, there are a select few undrafted prospects that get signed to contracts. Even more uncommon are those prospects making the final 53-man roster. Two of those prospects wouldn’t surprise me if they end up making the cut.

Josh Fatu

One year starter for Southern California in 2017 at defensive tackle. Finished with 34 tackles, 6.0 sacks, eight tackles for loss, one pass defended and one forced fumble as a senior.

Fatu has good size (6-2, 310) and played all the inside positions. Not overly athletic but strength, initial quickness and hand usage off the snap makes him more than just a great run stuffer.

Won’t chase guys down and can get slowed down once initial rush is neutralized. Collapses the pocket but not a fit as a 3-tech, best spot is at nose tackle. The hybrid defense the Lions are starting this season will match his strengths.

Detroit ran into injuries at defensive tackle and they suffered stopping the run. Fatu would provide solid depth right away at a position needing it badly.

Jojo Wicker

Spent nearly three years as a starter at Arizona State. Compiled 42 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, one pass defended, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble playing mostly edge/5-tech.

Solid athleticism for a guy his size (6-2, 296) that’s made a living behind the line of scrimmage his entire career at every position on the line. Has quality get off and savvy moves in his repertoire to make plays in the run game and as pass rusher.

Wicker struggles against power and needs more balance to survive in the interior. Probably played too heavy and lacks the desired length to play out on the edge. The Lions have a multiple defense, which helps his chances of finding the field as a gap penetrating 3-tech/5-tech.

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Pass rush comes from everywhere. Inside pressure is something that’s been lacking in Detroit for some time now. Wicker could bolster that weakness.

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