The 2026 NFL draft went superbly for the Detroit Lions as it pertains to them filling roster needs.
Blake Miller is likely starting at right tackle for the Lions, while Derrick Moore seems primed to compete for - and likely win - the role of EDGE2. Keith Abney II and Jimmy Rolder can also play significant roles as backups to the Lions' veteran talent on defense.
They managed to snag a ton of high-floor, competitive talent that affords them the luxury of not needing to hit free agency or the trade market hard, which is music to Brad Holmes' ears.
They also might not have stopped with just finding gems in the draft. The UDFA market provided the team with at least three players that could legitimately crash the depth chart ahead of the 2026 season.
3 Lions UDFAs that could crash the depth chart
Luke Altmyer, QB
Altmyer, the former Illinois and Ole Miss quarterback, landed in the Lions' lap following the draft and their previous signing of Teddy Bridgewater in free agency. In 13 games his final year with the Fightin' Illini, Altmyer had a career-high 3,007 passing yards in addition to 22 touchdowns and just five interceptions. His 67.4 percent completion percentage was also the highest of his collegiate career.
As noted by NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein, the quarterback's flaws include his struggles when dealing with pressure in the pocket, as well as a lack of arm talent to make up for his immobility. Zierlein's most pointed statement on Altmyer might give fans some pause about his ability to make the roster: "Altmyer could have a tough time beating out pro backups for a roster spot."
But, he has impressed in OTAs. Head coach Dan Campbell praised his confidence so far in during the teams' offseason program, telling reporters, “Feel like he’s getting a little bit better every day, talk about the processing speed of the quarterback. He’s got a lot on his plate, but he knows what the calls are, he knows where guys are supposed to be, the shifts, the motions."
“And that’s good. For a young guy, that’s really good. So, we’ll see when it really gets going.”
De'Shawn Rucker, CB
Rucker entered the fold for the Lions following a very impressive Pro Day ahead of the NFL draft. This was a draft with a ton of DB talent at the top with a steep falloff, so it makes sense that he flew under the radar. Rucker finished up his collegiate career with 114 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 12 passes defended, but just one interception.
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Rucker could be a key cog to the Lions' backup defense as they figure out how to best utilize potential nickelbacks in Roger McCreary, Abney, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed seem primed to start right away in Week 1, but Rucker could provide some decent backup snaps to either those two outside corners or to the slot cornerback room.
From an interview with Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo:
"You’re going to get a dog who works hard on a daily basis. I’m always ready and willing to prove myself on the field. I’m going to be a smart, versatile player."
Anthony Lucas, EDGE
Lucas comes over to the Lions after getting major hype entering college, and completely falling short of that hype. This could mean one of two things for Detroit - they're either going to unlock the potential that so many experts saw in the athletic defender, or they'll be able to cut their losses easily.
Lucas needs someone to really invest in his capabilities as a dynamic pass rusher and run defender in order for him to really stick on a roster. And, the Lions do have one of the best pass rushers in the league in the building and likely ready and willing to work with the rookie on his technique.
This is a big position of need, and if Detroit can tap into what's made Lucas so exciting as a prospect in recent years, he can make for an excellent backup to one of Moore or D.J. Wonnum in the 2026 season. His college numbers are just concerning.
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