5 undrafted rookies who could steal a spot on Detroit Lions' 53-man roster

4. Isaiah Williams, WR, Illinois

The Lions gave Williams a ton of guaranteed money, reportedly a total of $240,000 ($15,000 signing bonus, $225 guaranteed salary). That investment alone conveys a belief from the team that he can stick, and presumably they had to beat other offers he had on the table.

Williams had 82 receptions in each of his last two seasons at Illinois, topping 1,000 yards in 2023, as primarily a slot receiver for the lllini. But did show some alignment versatility (right side, left side, motion, in the backfield), as noted by Russell Brown of Lions Wire, which will help him stick at the next level. Last year, he had a top-35 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus (80.9).

Williams also has potential value as a return man, as he averaged 9.1 yards per punt return during his college career (11.5 yards per punt return last year). A push toward a spot on the 53-man roster, usurping Tom Kennedy, Antoine Green and Tre'Quan Smith in particular, would not be surprising.

3. Kingsley Eguakun, C, Florida

The Lions signed two interior offensive lineman fairly quickly after the draft (Duke Clemens and Bryan Hudson), and in some sense both have a cursory chance to win a spot on the 53-man roster. But the addition of Eguakun changes the equation, and tilts things toward him for a spot on the roster.

A three-year starter at Florida, Eguakun would have surely been a Day 3 draft pick if not for a right ankle injury that cost him all but four game last season. He allowed just one sack over those last three seasons for the Gators.

As the Lions possibly look at options for who could succeed Frank Ragnow, Eguakun got significant guaranteed money ($240,000 total, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press) to come in an ;potentially earn a roster spot.