Morice Norris, DB, Fresno State
Bryan Hudson, C , Louisville
Another pretty large offensive lineman for the Lions. Hudson is 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds. Hudson allowed no sacks and three quarterback hits for Louisville in 2023. In addition to being a good pass blocker, he showed some good stuff as a run blocker as well.
The thing that could prevent his chances of making the roster is that it’s just really crowded right now and with Clemmens being a guy that could make the practice squad, Hudson might be the odd man out.
DaRon Gilbert, LB, Northern Illionois
The hometown kid has returned to Detroit. The Brother Rice standout had a good season for Northern Illinois last year after transferring from Lafayette college. He finished with 51 combined tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
He’ll have a hard time making the 53-man roster with so many linebackers on the roster already.
Steele Chambers, LB, Ohio State
Isaiah Williams, WR, Illinois
Another guy that could have a shot at being a return man on this team. He’ll give a challenge to Calhoun and Kalif Raymond. Williams had a big year for Illinois with 82 catches for 715 yards and five touchdowns. The Lions showed some interest pre draft as well. They had a virtual interview with Williams.
Ultimately Williams is guy that I think will land on his feet in the NFL, I just don’t think it’s in Detroit.
Chelan Garnes, S, Wake Forrest
The Lions need depth at safety since it looks like newly drafted Sione Vaki is going to be spending more time on offense and special teams than he will on defense. That gives Garnes a real chance to make this roster the way it’s set right now.
Garnes has some ability to stop the run and go on safety blitzes. I still think Norris has the better shot here, but Garnes could make the practice squad.
Hogan Hatten, LS, Idaho
Get ready for a long snapper battle at camp. Scott Daly, who won the job last year is back. Can he do it again against the rookie?
Nate Lynn, ED, William & Mary
Brad Holmes sure does love William & Mary players. The Lions now have two on the roster. The other being Colby Sorsdal of course. That’s got to be the most in the NFL. The Lions had Lynn in for a top-30 visit. Maybe it’s because the Lynn set the school record most career sacks with 28.
Lynn has a chance to make the practice squad. We’ll have to see what he can do at camp before we can be sure.
Isaac Rex, TE, BYU
Rex was really good with Zach Wilson as his quarterback, but he’s struggled with injuries and recreating that play ever since. With the Lions set at tight end with Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, James Mitchell and Shane Zylstra, it seems pretty unlikely that he would have a chance to make the roster or the practice squad.
Loren Strickland, DB, Ball State
Another special teams guy that the Lions are giving a shot to. Strickland was not a starter at Ball state last year. He only started five games in the last two seasons. But he played a lot on special teams and was a captain for the Cardinals.
It’s a real longshot that he would make the roster, but if he can show enough, maybe he’ll have a shot at the practice squad.
James Turner, K, Michigan
The Lions add a kicker after all. Turner helped Michigan win the National Championship last year by going 18-21 with long of 50 yards.
As far as making the roster, right now it’s anyones spot to win. Michael Badgley is likely to have multiple opponents in the kicker battle.