The Detroit Lions started their next phase of OTAs on Tuesday, and the media was able to see practice on Thursday. So there will be close looks and reports of what players are doing on the practice field, which will feed the hunger for football in May.
The Lions' group of undrafted rookies enter OTAs with an uphill climb to crack one of the best rosters in the NFL. But there is a definite path for some to stick around, and for some to make the 53-man roster out of training camp. The Lions operate a meritocracy, with no real regard for experience, contract size, draft status, etc. Those who earn it will make it, plain and simple, but there will be some hard decisions to make come final roster cuts.
With our post-draft list of five undrafted rookies who could steal a spot on the 53-man roster as a jumping off point, these five Lions' UDFAs have the best chance to make the team and that effort to stand out is starting in earnest this week.
5 Lions' undrafted rookies who have best chance to make the team with OTAs rolling now
5. DB Morice Norris
The Lions met with Norris at Fresno State's Pro Day and had dinner with him after, so signing him as a UDFA was not much of a shock.
Norris was primarily a slot/nickel corner over two years of action at Fresno State, but he lined up all at least a little bit all over the field (outside corner, in the box, outside linebacker, free safety). He had a nice season in 2022 (57 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack and six pass breakups), then he did even better last season (59 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 10 pass breakups, two interceptions).
Norris navigated adversity to become a productive college player and turn himself into a draft prospect. He seems like the kind of player the Lions will easily fall in love with, and there's space for him to assert himself and take a roster spot.
4. LB Steele Chambers
Chambers started his career at Ohio State as a running back, and he took those instincts to the other side of the ball at linebacker fairly seamlessly. 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.
The Lions are deep at linebacker, but the change in kickoff rules opens the door for different types of players to find more roles on special teams. If the Lions are open to carrying a sixth linebacker into the season, as they've done before, Chambers could fill that core special teams role right off the bat.
3. C Kingsley Eguakun
Among the three undrafted rookie interior offensive lineman the Lions signed, Eguakun is the one who most should have been drafted. If he hadn't miss so much of his final season at Florida, he would have been. And he probably still should have been a Day 3 flier for someone.
Despite his putting retirement talk aside, at least for this season and probably next, Frank Ragnow's career is unlikely to last as long as it otherwise might have. Last year's litany of injuries has to have taken a toll on him. So the Lions should have an eye on a succession plan, not to mention having a capable option who can step in if (when?) Ragnow misses time.
Eguakun should have a great chance to make the Lions' 53-man roster.
2. K James Turner
The Lions did not draft a kicker. It's also fair to say Turner was not the top undrafted kicker available, but the Lions doled out guaranteed money to other UDFAs rather than add the best possible competition for Michael Badgley.
Turner started his college career at Lousville, kicking there for three years before transferring to Michigan last year. Looking at his total college track record, we get a "one of these things is not like the others" vibe.
2020 (at Louisville): 40-of-40 on extra points; 13-of-15 on field goals (86.7 percent)
2021 (at Louisville): 46-of-48 on extra points, 14-of-22 on field goals (63.6 percent)
2022 (at Louisville): 38-of-39 on extra points, 20-of-22 on field goals (90.9 percent)
2023 (at Michigan): 65-of-66 extra points, 18-of-21 on field goals (85.7 percent)
But Turner's placement on this list is sheerly based on opportunity. Badgley is ripe to be replaced, even if the Lions aren't making a fully credible effort to do it or make him beat someone else out for the job.
Jake Bates of the UFL's Michigan Panthers lingers as a kicking option for the Lions once that league's season is over. But as OTAs get rolling Turner has an opportunity to outdo Badgley and assert himself as the Lions' best kicker.
1. WR Isaiah Williams
The Lions, however notably, did not draft a wide receiver and they have not replaced Josh Reynolds. Williams got a lot of guaranteed money to sign with the Lions as a UDFA, which reflects the interest he had from other teams. But at rookie minicamp he showed himself as a fit for the Lions' culture, and he said he chose the Lions based on that culture.
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. Last year, he earned a top-35 receiving grade among wide receivers from Pro Football Focus (80.9), and YAC ability is top-notch. He also has potential value as a return man, averaging 9.1 yards per punt return during his college career (11.5 yards per punt return last year).
Williams shouldn't have a whole lot of trouble usurping Tom Kennedy, Tre'Quan Smith, etc. for a spot on the Lions' 53-man roster. The first steps in that effort will come during OTA practice, and it would not be surprising to see indications he is doing very well.
