2024 Detroit Lions Undrafted free agents

 

Isaiah Williams WR Illinois 
47/34 g/GS 214/2304/14 rec

103/509/3 rush 30/75/3 445 yards 5 td pass 27/247 pr

Combine/Pro Day: 5092 182 4.63 4.57 13 38" 1008 6.75 4.11

Contract: 3 years $240,000 guaranteed
Hometown: St. Louis
Age 23

Jalon Calhoun WR Duke

61 games 58 starts 253/3026/17 rec 26/258 pr

5097 186 4.64 11 34 1000 7.44 4.47

Greenville, SC

Isaac Rex TE BYU

52/38 112/1385/24 rec

6073 247 4.94 24 27" 7.35 5

San Clemente, CA

Kingsley Eguakan OC Florida 

44 games 30 starts

6032 304 26 32" 901 4.51 7.57

Jacksonville, FL

Duke Clemens OC UCLA

52 games 45 starts

6027 302 5.11 26 29" 810 7.66 4.7

Contract: 3 years $60,000 guaranteed

Kailua, HI

Bryan Hudson OC Louisville

6043 300 5.3 29" 905 7.46 4.53

Georgetown, KY

Isaac Ukwu DE Ole Miss

Ole Miss 13 G 5 GS 30 tackles 3.5 sacks

James Madison 28 G 25 GS 88 tackles 16.5 Sacks

6025 261 4.88 29 36" 911 7.35 4.5

Contract: 3 years $35,000 gauranteed

Upper Marlboro, MD

Nate Lynn DE William & Mary

48 games 33 starts 265 tackles 28 sacks 12 FF

6026 253 4.82 20 30.5 906 7.43 4.62

Hometown: Charlotte

Age 22

Steele Chambers LB Ohio State

50 games 30 starts 208 tackles 3 sacks 4 int 28/221/1 rush

6007 229 4.75 19 33.5" 907 7.1 4.23

Hometown: Roswell, GA

Age 24

DaRon Gilbert LB Northern Illinois

Northern Illnois 13 Starts 52 tackles 0.5 sack

Lafayette 33/30 136 tackles 2/28 int

6011 214 4.72 14 34" 907 7.22 4.45

Birmingham Brother Rice

Morice Norris CB Fresno State

Fresno State 27/24 113 tackles 4.5 sacks 2/11 int

Orange County JC 15 games 35 tackles 1/19 int

5102 181 4.56 10 38 1004 6.96 4.18

Fresno, CA

Loren Strickland S Ball State

Ball State 23/5 50 tackles 1 sack

Indianapolis 29 games 84 tackles 1/40/1 int

5091 199 4.56 18 38 1005 6.95 4.4

Carpentersville, IL

Chelen Garnes S Wake Forest

Wake Forest 33/24 145 tackles 1 int 4.5 sacks

Navy 13 games 11 tackles 2 int 

5096 199 4.57 18 37 910 7.03 4.32

Waldorf, MD

Hogan Hatton LS Idaho

49 games 50 tackles 3 sacks 3 PBU

6013 238 4.83 18 36" 7.15 4.5

Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ

James Turner K Michigan

Michigan 15 games 18/21 G 65/66 Xp

Louisville 42 games 47/69 FG 124/127 XP

5117 190

Saline, MI

Tryout

Cade Peterson QB GVSU

505/836/26 7231 yards 67 td 326/1686/21 rush 12/457/38.1 punt

6043 222 4.86 30 910 4.55 7.61

Hometown: Maple City,  MI

Theo Day QB Northern Iowa

33 games 569/936/32 8276 58 td

2 g 2/3 12 yards pass Michigan State

6054 224  4.81    35" 905 7.25 4.53

Hometown: Dearborn Divine Child

Michael Herzog RB Hillsdale

30 games 430/2273/29 27/177 rec 57/1064/0 KR

5082    201  4.65 37 1001 7.28 4.29

Windsor, ON

Josh Landry DT Missouri

Missouri 25 games 45 tackles 0.5 sack

Baylor 24 games 17 tackles 3 sacks

6026 285 5.06 24 30.5" 810 8.08 4.63

Hometown: Houston

Veteran

TJ Smith DT

4th year in the NFL 1st in Detroit

2024 Free Agent Vikings

2020 UDFA Chargers

NFL Stats 4 games 11 tackles

College: Arkansas 34 games 75 tackles 5 sacks 1 FF

Pro Day: 6025 296 5 29 30.5" 904 7.47 4.59

Hometown: Moultrie, GA

Age: 27

2024 Detroit Lions draft analysis

 

Round # 1 Pick # 24

Terrion Arnold CB Alabama 5116  188 4.5 4.53 37" 35.5" 1009 6.69 4.24 
25 games 21 starts 108 tackles 6 int 1ff 26 PBU
Hometown: Tallahassee 
Age 21

Analysis:

The Lions trade their 3rd round pick to get #24 to draft Arnold. Arnold has good length and quickness. He plays the ball well in the air and is a solid tackler. I rated him the third best CB in this years draft. The reason is a lack of long speed. He ran 4.5 at the combine and 4.53 at his pro day. I like the corners to be sub 4.45. Hopefully his quickness and ball skills will make up for the lack of speed.

Pro Football Focus scored him 88.3 grade. 41/79/5 441 yards 2 touchdowns when targeted in 2023. 

Round # 2 Pick #61 

Ennis Rakestraw CB Missouri 5117 187  4.51 4.56 13 1000  4.38 

36 games 32 starts 106 tackles 1 int 24 PBU 3 FF

Hometown: West Dallas, TX

Age: 22

Analysis:

Described as tough competitive player. Ennis does not have the desired athletic profile for an NFL corner. 4.51 at the combine and 4.56 at his pro day are a red flag. Weighing in at under 190 lbs and with one career interception is as well. He has a history injury concerns including a torn ACL and groin injury that limited him this last season. 

He makes up for it with a physical approach to the game. Should contribute immediately on special teams.  Once again it comes down to can run well enough to cover NFL receivers. Both Daniel Jeremiah and Pro Football Focus were very high on his film. Jeremiah ranked him # 32 overall and Pro Football Focus at # 46.

Pro Football Focus scored him at 80.7 overall. 18/28/0 197 yards 1 td when targeted.

Other Lions CB 40 times

Carlton Davis 4.53 Combine 4.44 Pro Day

Kindle Vildor 4.44 Combine

Cam Sutton 4.52 Combine

Jerry Jacobs 4.53 pro day

Mike Hughes 4.53 Combine

Teez Tabor 4.62 Combine

Dre Bly 4.51 Combine

Alex Carter 4.51 Combine

Nevin Lawson 4.48 Combine

Alphonso Smith 4.47 Combine

Bill Bentley 4.42 Combine

Stanley Wilson 4.39 C

Eric Wright 4.37 C

Chris Houston 4.37 C

Darius Slay 4.36 C

Jeff Okudah 4.48 c

Round 4 Pick # 126

Giovanni Manu OT British Columbia 6073 352 5.06 23 33.5" 811 8.29 4.81

39 starts (32 left tackle 6 left guard)

Hometown: Pitts Meadow British Columbia

Age: 23

Analysis:

A raw player from Canada. He has rare size and good athletic ability. 34 5/8" arms. He struggles at the agility tests. Has time to develop behind Zeitler and will be groomed to play right guard. Giving up a third round pick was costly price to pay but if he develops into a quality starter it will be worth it.

Round 4 Pick # 132

Sione Vaki RB Utah 5111 213 4.62 4.51 20 39.5" 1005 7.16 4.28

26 games 17 starts 92 tackles 1 int 42/317/2 rush 11/203/3 rec 

Hometown: Antioch, CA

Age: 23 years old

Analysis:

A two player at Utah. Started at safety but made a big impact as ball carrier and receiver. The Lions will use him on offense where he has shown great hands. His primary role will be on special teams. He can cover and return. My man Master P was on this guy from the combine. He would send me highlights and tell me much how much he would fit in Detroit.

Round 6 Pick # 189

Mekhi Wingo DT LSU 6002 286 4.85 28 31.5" 801 7.33 4.45

LSU 22/20 51 tackles 7.5 sacks

Missouri 12/4 27 tackles 1 sack 1/40/1 int

Hometown: St. Louis

Age 21

Analysis:

Undersized but quick 3 technique tackle. Made an impact as a pass rusher. Wore the # 18 at LSU as tribute to his team play. Has upside as he will play this season at 21 years old. Was rated as the #9 defensive tackle by Dana Bulger. 

Round 6 Pick # 210

Christian Mahogany OG Boston College 6033 316 5.13 32.5"901 7.81 4.53

34 starts

Hometown: Elmwood Park, NJ

Age 24

Analysis:

A tough run blocking right guard. Missed 2022 with a torn ACL but started all 12 games last season. Rated as the # 7 guard by Dana Bulger, has starter potential for the Lions.

Overall:

The Lions brought in their guys. Tough, physical players. The big question will be can the corners run well enough to be effective in man coverage. Manu is a developmental project. Vaki helps on special teams. Wingo and Mahogany both have starter potential.

2024 Detroit Lions Draft Preview Overview

 

These are the top guys in the draft. These guys should begone in the top 15.

This group I would consider drafting at # 29 for the Lions

My first pick of this group would DeJean. Followed by Barton. DeJean adds size and speed outside. Barton could start at guard or center down the line. Fautanu is a guard while Guyton can play either position. Latu is medical risk. Robinson gives you a true speed rusher. Arnold is scary because he is a little slow. 

This group I would consider drafting in the Round # 2

Powers-Johnson is probably not making into the mid second round. Some interesting lineman should be available. McKinstry I feel has to play inside in the NFL. 

This group I would consider in the 3rd round

McCormick is a guy I have my eye on. 70 games of experience. Pritchett is my favorite CB. has tools needs coaching. 

2024 Detroit Lions draft preview defensive backs

 

Detroit Lions need a outside corner to play this season. The problem with this crop is the guys who can run won't tackle and the guys who will tackle can't run. Complete players are at a premium. I get nervous when guys run in the 4.5s. Jeff Okudah ran 4.48 and was too slow.

 A third safety would be a in play in third round or later. Someone who can add depth and play the special teams. 

Corner

Safety

2024 Detroit Lions Draft Preview Defensive Line/Linebacker

 

Detroit Lions could use a interior lineman and and edge player. Interior line should be more of a 3 technique while the edge should be a speed rusher. The linebacker room could use a young guy who can play on the special teams 

Edge

Interior

Linebacker

2024 Detroit Lions Draft Preview WR/TE

 

Lions could draft a receiver to replace Josh Reynolds. A pretty deep class with quality available throughout the draft. 

Guys I Like:

Adonai Mitchell Texas 6022 205

Xavier Legette South Carolina 6010 221

Jalen McMillan Washington 6010 197

Tight End

Lions might want to bring in a guy to challenge James Mitchell or H-back to replace Jason Cabinda.

A third day selection would make the most sense.

2024 Detroit Lions Draft Preview QB/RB

 

I did not spend a of of time on the quarterbacks nor running backs. I do not need think the Lions need to select either.

QB

Guys I Like:

Spencer Rattler South Carolina

I saw a lot of him in 2022. I thought he had a strong arm and could make off schedule plays. His team was not very good this year but he has talent. 

RB

This class has some guys that can be part of the rotation. Brooks is interesting coming off the ACL injury. I like BEnson the best. HE has some speed and power. Not very shifty. 

2024 Detroit Lions Draft Preview Offensive Line

 

Overall:

Lions need to develop players for the future. Decker, Zeitler, Skipper are over 30 on the last year of their contract. Glasgow is over 30. Both interior line and tackle makes sense throughout the draft.

Interior Line

Centers

Guards

Guys I like:

1st round

Graham Barton OG Duke 6053 311 33" arms 22 years old

Started at left tackle the last three years (34 games). Arm length moves him in side where he can play center or guard. He started 5 games as a freshman at center. Gives me Frank Ragnow vibes. Not quite the athlete but a tough, strong competitor. I would draft him at #29. 

Jackson Powers-Johnson OC Oregon 6032 326 32 5/8" arms 21 years old.

One year starter at center. Very strong and nasty. Gets to the second level. Fits in with Lions.

Troy Fautanu OG Washington 6037 320 34 1/2 arm 24 years old

29 starts at left tackle. Lak of height moves in him inside. Great feet. Really stood out at the combine. Unlikely to make it to #29 but would be a good pick for the Lions. 

2nd Round

Zach Frazier OC West Virginia 6024 315 32 1/2 arms 23 years old

38 starts at center. Tough kid who played through injury. Might have trouble at guard. 

Christian Haynes OG UCONN 6026  320 33 1/2 arms 24 years old

Nasty player. Would really fit in the Lions mold. A little old for developing player. 49 starts at right guard. 

Cooper Beebe OG KSU 6032 322 31 1/2 arms 23 years old

48 college starts including 26 at left guard. His short arms make him a guard only. Tough run blocker with Lion toughness. Not a great athlete might knock him down the board.

Mid Rounds

Chris Mahogany OG Boston College 6033 314 33 12" arms  24 years old

34 starts at guard. Strong player who likes to derive block. Missed 2022 with a torn ACL. Should be a starter early in his career.

Dom Puni OG Kansas 6051 317 33 3/8 arms 24 years old

43 college starts with 13 at left guard. Excellent feet and a powerful punch. Old for a back up prospect who sit for a least a year.

Mason McCormick North Dakota State 6041 309 33 3/4 arms 24 years old

57 starts in college at guard. Great combination of strength and feet. Three time team captain. 

Late Rounds

Jarrett Kingston OG USC 6042 308 32 1/8 arms 24 years old

Excellent athlete with 37 college starts. Strong with good feet. A project. 

Brady Latham OG Arkansas 6051 305 32 3/4 arms 24 years old

47 starts in college. Excellent quickness. Probably needs to play center. 

Tackles

Guys I Like

1st Round

Amarius Mims Georgia 6067 344 36 3/4" arms 22 years old

A project with only 8 starts. 4.33 short shuttle at 340 lbs is astounding. Measurables that coaches dream of. A projection but the Lions have time. 

Later Rounds

Brandon Coleman TCU 6036 316 34 7/8 arms 24 years old

Has the skills to be a good NFL Lineman. 

Patrick Paul Houston 6074 332 36 1/4 arms 23 years old

44 starts at left tackle. Strong with long arms. A bit limited in his quickness. two time team captain.