The Detroit Lions have a full complement of rookies getting set to tackle their first NFL camp, and whether the players were drafted or not, there exists an opportunity for them to impress the decision makers significantly.
With nine drafted rookies coming into the mix, the Lions feel their depth will be improved across the board. That number doesn't include a surprise undrafted free agent or two making the roster, which is something that has happened in recent years.
This season, the Lions will have another intriguing mix of players trying to open eyes, and for the first time in a few years, a quarterback joined the ranks. Illinois signal caller Luke Altmyer will be called upon to learn Detroit's offense.
Already, some believe Altmyer could have the inside track to cracking the roster. Sports Illustrated writer Mike Kadlick put together a list of 10 players who didn't get drafted that can make the league. The first player on that list? Altmyer.
"Luke Altmyer joins the Lions after a five-year collegiate run that included stints at both Ole Miss and Illinois. This past season, the 23-year-old notched career highs in completion percentage (67.4%), passing yards (3,007), passing touchdowns (22) and passer rating (153.7), while leading the Illini to a 9–3 record."
"Altmyer enters a Detroit quarterback room that includes Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater. He should have a realistic chance to, at a minimum, latch on as the team’s QB3 with an opportunity to cement himself as a long-term backup."
Notably, the Lions haven't developed a young quarterback in a long time despite trying with Hendon Hooker, a third-round pick in 2023. Perhaps Altmyer can be a solution in that vein, and make a better push toward being a backup that Detroit can count on for the future.
Altmyer will have to show up and dominate during training camp and the preseason to have a chance, but it isn't a stretch to think he could impress enough to make it as a third quarterback for 2026.
Teddy Bridgewater sounds ready to mentor Altmyer with Lions
Altmyer won't be the only player competing at quarterback, of course. He will have Goff and Bridgewater to rely on to learn the tricks of the trade when he comes into town, and that's good news considering the situation he will be walking into.
Bridgewater signed as a free agent this past March to back up Goff, and it sounds as if the Lions have the perfect player on the roster to perhaps maximize the potential of Altmyer. As Bridgewater said this offseason, one of his biggest goals in coming back to Detroit is to pay it forward and help young players make a difference.
"I always felt like as a quarterback, we play a huge role in other (players) success. So, if I could go out there and help a sixth-round wide receiver have a four or five-year career, (an) undrafted free agent get four or five years out of the league just from competing with them throughout the spring, preseason, training camp, whether we get reps in the regular season. That's just something I look forward to."
Naturally, with Altmyer in his quarterback room, Bridgewater is going to have the perfect subject to help up close and personal. Count on the duo working closely together to put their best foot forward at quarterback this season. It could pay off in a big way for the rookie.
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