Two Detroit Lions undrafted rookies taken in UFL Draft

The UFL had its 2024 college draft on Wednesday, with 80 players split among the eight teams in the league.

In order to be eligible for the UFL draft, a player must have also been eligible for the NFL Draft-at least three years removed from high school with no college eligibility remaining, then go undrafted through the NFL process this year. Once selected by a UFL team, that team holds the players' exclusive rights if they opt to join the UFL.

Two players the Lions signed as undrafted rookies this year were taken in the UFL Draft. Wide receiver Isaiah Williams was taken by the defending champion Birmingham Stallions with the final pick of the fourth round, and edge rusher Isaac Ukwu was selected by the Michigan Panthers with the sixth pick in the third round.

Lions UDFAs Isaiah Williams, Isaac Ukwu selected in 2024 UFL Draft

Being selected in the UFL Draft has no impact on NFL opportunities for Williams and Ukwu. If they don't make the Lions' roster or practice squad, or another NFL team's roster or practice squad over the course of the coming season, they simply have a place to play next spring and the UFL team who drafted them controls their rights in that league. They would also have the full ability to opt out of their UFL contract if an NFL team came calling.

After next UFL season is over, they could sign with an NFL team as a free agent like Panthers kicker Jake Bates did when the Lions signed him.

Williams could make a strong push for a spot on the Lions' 53-man roster as a slot receiver/return man, and if not he's a top candidate to stick on the practice squad if another team doesn't poach him. Ukwu will have a much tougher time cracking the Lions' roster as an edge rusher, but he would also be a prime candidate for the practice squad if there was an opportunity to keep him around.