If the Day 3 board had fallen in a way that would have fostered it, the Detroit Lions may very well have come out of the 2026 draft with a quarterback. Instead, they brought Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer into the fold as an undrafted rookie.
After two years at Ole Miss to start his college career, operating as the backup to eventual NFL draft picks Matt Corral and Jaxson Dart, Altmyer transfered to Illinois in 2023 in search of a chance to be a starter.
After his first season with the Fighting Illini was shortened by a concussion, Altmyer found his footing. Over his final two college seasons, he completed 64.2 percent of his passes for over 5.700 yards with 44 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions.
Over his three seasons in Champaign, Altmyer also showed some juice as a runner with 741 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.
Luke Altmyer makes unexpected list after Lions sign him as UDFA
There are certainly some post-draft, post-UDFA signings lists Atmyer would be in top consideration for, up to and including Lions' UDFAs with the best chance to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Mike Fanelli of Fantasy Pros' went a unique way, putting Altmyer on his list of undrafted rookie sleepers for this year.
"Detroit had two quarterbacks heading into the NFL Draft: Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater. Goff will remain the starter, but Bridgewater’s time in the NFL is coming to an end. Yet, the Lions waited until after the draft to add to their quarterback room. Altmyer completed 64.2% of his pass attempts for 5,724 yards, 44 touchdowns, and only 11 interceptions over his final two years at Illinois. He could develop into Goff’s backup, putting him one injury away from leading one of the more fantasy-friendly offenses in the NFL."
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Altmyer should have a legitimate chance to beat out Bridgewater for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind Goff. However, the value the Lions place on the veteran's intangible qualities lines that up to be a tough climb for the rookie.
But on the other hand, Dan Campbell operates a meritocracy and if Altmyer is simply better, the QB2 spot should be his while Bridgewater brings value in the locker room without being a play away from having to play.
And if something were to happen to Goff, the Lions could still lean into Bridgewater's experience and play him over Altmyer.
If Altmyer can seize the No. 2 quarterback spot for the Lions, he would be a Goff injury away from being at the helm of a very fantasy-friendly offense. And unlike Goff, as mentioned, he can add a little something with his legs.
It would take a few significant 'if' scenarios to bring it to light. But if he were to end up playing significant snaps as a rookie, Altmyer could be an interesting (and a very deep) fantasy sleeper in the right context.
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