Detroit Lions Staying Active in the UDFA Market: Building Depth and Finding Gems
The Detroit Lions have been one of the NFL’s most aggressive and calculated teams when it comes to building a contender over the past few seasons. From smart free agent acquisitions to savvy draft strategies, general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have overseen a remarkable transformation in Detroit. However, one area that often flies under the radar — yet could prove to be just as important — is how the Lions are attacking the undrafted free agent (UDFA) market.
Following the 2025 NFL Draft, the Lions wasted no time filling their roster with a flurry of undrafted signings. It’s a continuation of a trend under Holmes, who has consistently emphasized the importance of leaving no stone unturned in talent acquisition. With a roster already featuring a good mix of young stars and veterans, Detroit’s aggressive UDFA approach underscores their commitment to long-term roster health, special teams excellence, and the constant search for hidden gems.
Before diving into this year’s UDFA class, it’s important to understand why Detroit’s approach matters. The Lions have had notable success stories with undrafted players in recent years.
Guys like Craig Reynolds, who was signed off the street during the 2021 season, provided critical depth at running back when injuries ravaged the roster. Jerry Jacobs, another undrafted free agent from the 2021 class, worked his way into a starting cornerback role and became a fan favorite for his tenacity and physical style of play.
Those success stories are not accidents. They’re a direct result of a front office that believes in its scouting process, trusts its coaching staff to develop talent, and offers legitimate opportunities for UDFAs to make the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
The Lions have shown a willingness to give UDFAs meaningful reps in training camp and preseason games, increasing the chances that a few overlooked players can prove themselves worthy of an NFL roster spot. It’s this environment — a true meritocracy — that continues to make Detroit an appealing landing spot for undrafted players
As soon as the 2025 draft ended, Detroit’s phones lit up. Within hours, they had announced a large class of UDFA signings, bringing in players from across the college football landscape.
While the full list continues to evolve with rookie minicamps and medical evaluations, several names stand out early:
- Jason Harris, EDGE, Colorado
- Tyrone Davis, WR, Tulane
- Connor Reid, LB, UConn
- Demonte Bradford, RB, Oregon State
- Lamar Thomas, DB, Liberty
- Eli Mathews, OT, Appalachian State
Each of these players brings something unique to the table, and several were projected late-round picks before slipping through the cracks. Detroit’s willingness to act quickly and offer competitive guarantees — including some $20,000+ signing bonuses — helped them win several competitive UDFA battles.
Let’s break down a few of these prospects in more detail.
The Lions love long, athletic pass rushers, and Jason Harris fits the mold. At 6’7″ and 255 pounds, Harris has the kind of wingspan that can cause problems for quarterbacks in the pocket. He’s a bit raw — Colorado used him more as a rotational piece than a full-time starter — but his flashes on tape are impressive.
Harris needs to bulk up and refine his hand technique, but Detroit isn’t looking for him to start right away. With coaches like defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and defensive line coach John Scott Jr. working with him, Harris could become a strong situational pass rusher over the next couple of seasons. His ceiling is higher than that of a typical UDFA.
Davis flew under the radar due to Tulane’s run-heavy offense, but NFL scouts liked his quickness, reliable hands, and ability to separate against man coverage. At 5’11” and 190 pounds, Davis projects as a pure slot receiver.
With the Lions set at outside receiver with stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, there’s an opening for someone like Davis to compete for a backup slot role. His quick feet and strong work ethic could make him an instant favorite during rookie minicamp and preseason.
Special teams contributions will be key to Davis’ roster chances. Luckily, he returned kicks and punts in college, giving him another path to stick around.
Linebacker has been a steady area of investment for Detroit over the past two years, but injuries happen, and depth is always needed. Connor Reid isn’t the biggest name, but he was incredibly productive at UConn, leading the team in tackles and serving as a team captain.
Reid’s instincts and tackling ability make him a candidate to fight for a special teams role initially. His leadership skills also align well with the “grit” mentality that Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have carefully cultivated.
One clear trend in the Lions’ UDFA approach is that they prioritize traits and mentality over sheer college production. It’s not about finding players who put up monster stats against weak competition; it’s about finding athletes with the right makeup — physically and mentally — who can be molded into contributors.
Brad Holmes has said repeatedly that he views undrafted free agents as more than just camp bodies. In his mind, they are legitimate investments. Even if only one or two UDFAs make the final roster each year, it’s a win.
“You’re not just building a team for September; you’re building a team for January, February, and the years beyond,” Holmes said at a recent press conference. “Depth wins in this league. You have to find players hungry enough to grind for an opportunity.”
Detroit has become one of the top UDFA destinations because they can offer something many other teams can’t: a real shot at making the team.
The Lions aren’t loaded with legacy contracts or stuck on high-priced veterans blocking the way. Young players have consistently earned starting jobs and big roles if they show out. Look no further than Malcolm Rodriguez, a 2022 sixth-round pick who became a defensive starter as a rookie.
This culture of opportunity is magnetic for UDFAs and their agents.
When the Lions call a player after the draft, they’re not offering empty promises. They’re offering a legitimate chance. Combine that with a roster full of like-minded, high-energy players, and it’s no wonder Detroit has been able to land high-priority UDFAs even when competing with flashier markets like Los Angeles, Miami, or Dallas.
While many of these UDFAs will initially aim for practice squad spots, don’t be surprised if two or three crack the 53-man roster.
Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp has been vocal about wanting fresh, hungry players who can run and hit — areas where UDFAs often thrive. Guys like Tyrone Davis and Connor Reid could quickly find themselves key cogs on kickoff, punt coverage, and return teams.
Additionally, injuries are inevitable. Having a deep pipeline of developmental players gives Detroit the flexibility to absorb mid-season attrition without scrambling to sign veterans off the street.
Given how competitive the NFC North is shaping up to be — with Green Bay, Minnesota, and Chicago all retooling — depth could make the difference between winning the division or falling short.
Building through the draft is essential. Making smart free-agent signings is essential. But building a complete, championship-caliber team requires attention to every detail — including how you attack the UDFA market.
Brad Holmes isn’t leaving any area neglected.
By flooding the bottom of the roster with cheap, young, motivated players, Detroit ensures constant competition. Veterans can’t coast. Younger players can’t relax. Every spot must be earned, every day.
This relentless competition fuels improvement across the board. It’s one of the secret ingredients that helped turn programs like New England, Seattle, and Kansas City into consistent winners during their dynasties.
The Lions may not be there yet, but their process suggests they’re thinking like an elite organization.
The Detroit Lions’ aggressive activity in the UDFA market isn’t headline-grabbing compared to blockbuster trades or high-profile draft picks. But it’s a fundamental part of their rise in the NFL hierarchy.
By prioritizing character, traits, and opportunity, Detroit is assembling not just a strong starting lineup — but a complete, resilient roster capable of surviving the grind of an NFL season.
Expect a few of these 2025 UDFAs to become familiar names by the time the season kicks off. After all, in Detroit, it doesn’t matter how you arrived — only what you do once you get there.
The Lions are building something special. And they aren’t missing a single step along the way.
