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5 undrafted rookies who could make Detroit Lions 53-man roster

By Brad Berreman

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 05: Running back Mohamed Ibrahim #24 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers escapes the tackle of defensive back Marques Buford Jr. #1 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 05: Running back Mohamed Ibrahim #24 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers escapes the tackle of defensive back Marques Buford Jr. #1 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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Credit: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Credit: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images /

3. S Brandon  Joseph

Joseph transferred to Notre Dame from Northwestern for his final college season in 2022. His production dropped off from what it had been with the Wildcats, with 30 total tackles and zero interceptions in 10 games last season.

But interesting skills presumably haven’t gone away. In 2021 at Northwestern Joseph had 79 total tackles and three interceptions, and in 2020 he had six interceptions on his way to being a Consensus All-American selection.

Even with the addition of Brian Branch in the draft, the Lions are hurting a little bit for safety depth. C.J. Moore was cut after his indefinite gambling suspension, and Tracy Walker is working his way back from a torn Achilles. Joseph has a potential opportunity in front of him.

2. CB Starling Thomas

Thomas was regarded as a potential Day 3 draft pick, but he ultimately fell all the way out of the proceedings. He is on the smaller side (5-foot-11, 194 pounds) and there’s natural level of competition talk and concern coming out of UAB.

But Thomas was a three-year starter at UAB, and he registered 23 pass breakups over the last two (15 last season, fourth in FBS). He didn’t nab a ton of interceptions, but he clearly has good ball skills.

Pro Football Network noted Thomas is a “feisty, fast-paced competitor” in tabbing him as the undrafted free agent with the best chance to make the Lions’ roster. That description reeks of someone Aaron Glenn and Dan Campbell will fall in love with quickly.

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