Detroit Lions: Each undrafted free agent’s chance to make the final roster
The Detroit Lions always seem to end up keeping at least one undrafted free agent. Here is each UDFAs chance to make the final 53-man roster.
Underneath the guidance of general manager Bob Quinn, the Detroit Lions have a four-year history of keeping at least one undrafted free agent every year. In fact, the only year in which the Lions kept less than two was in 2017.
However, this year will be much different because of the coronavirus pandemic. The six undrafted free agents that remain on the team will not have the benefit of a full offseason program.
In 2016, in his first year as the GM, Quinn kept tight end Cole Wick and cornerback Adairius Barnes both made the roster. His second year as GM, Quinn retained defensive end Alex Barrett, running back Tion Green, and defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga; all of whom went undrafted in 2017.
Two years ago, in 2018, Quinn kept only one undrafted free agent that year. That lucky man was Florida’s wide-out Brandon Powell.
Last year, however, the Lions general manager kept a whopping four undrafted free agents. Quarterback David Blough, offensive lineman Beau Benzschawel, defensive lineman Kevin Strong, and safety C.J. Moore all made the first established 53-man roster of 2019.
Surprisingly, three of those four are all generally expected to make the team. Only Blough is a question mark and even with him, the Lions seem to like his developmental prospects as a long-term backup quarterback.
This offseason, after the end of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Lions signed seven undrafted free agents to the team. As of now, six of them still remain on the team: tight end Hunter Bryant, safeties Jalen Elliott and Bobby Price, fullback Luke Sellers, punter Arryn Siposs, and long snapper Steven Wirtel.
The odds are that at least one of those six make the first 53-man roster established by the Lions for the regular season, possibly even two or three. Let’s explore the chances that each undrafted free agent has to make the 53-man roster.