In the hours after the draft, the Detroit Lions joined the rush to sign undrafted rookies. They've now signed 15 of them, as of Monday morning, and those guys will enter the meritocracy that is the Lions as rookie minicamp, OTAs and finally training camp provide an opportunity to earn a roster spot.
The Lions have had at least one undrafted rookie make the 53-man roster out of training camp every year since 2010. Last year it was cornerback Steven Gilmore, who spent the entire regular season on the active roster. Three others (Brandon Josepth, Connor Galvin, Chris Smith) stuck around on the practice squad last year.
So it stands to reason at least one of this year's UDFAs will make the Lions' final roster heading into the season, and there's a fair chance someone sticks all season or fills a notable role.
Narrowing the field, here are five undrafted rookies who could steal a spot on the Lions' 53-man roster.
5 UDFAs who could steal a spot on the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster
5. Steele Chambers, LB, Ohio State
Chambers spent his first two years at Ohio State as a running back, getting very little work (28 carries), before shifting to linebacker and being a three-year starter there. He led the Buckeyes in tackles last year (83), on his way to being All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. In 2022, he had 77 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions on his way to All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors for the first time. In his first year as a linebacker, 2021, he had 5.5 tackles for loss.
Working against Chambers is the sheer linebacker depth the Lions have. He's also built like a running back (6-foot-1, 226 pounds), and overall his physical traits don't wow you. But core special teamer Anthony Pittman left for the Washington Commanders in free agency, so there is a potential opening for Chambers to jump into. Maybe, in reverence to his WWE-style name, he'll come off the top rope and steal a roster spot.