Undrafted free agency is almost as fun as regular free agency. The Detroit Lions have signed 14 UDFA’s so far and they may not be done. Last year they signed 15. By the way, there is no limit.
But if the Lions had one more spot left, there is a steal of a player that they could get as an undrafted free agent right now. That’s James Madison edge rusher Jalen Green. A man that JMU fans call The Duke of Bridgeforth.
Green led the nation in sacks last year with 15.5 sacks. He also had two forced fumble and an interception he returned for a touchdown. He did all of this in a short end season too.
He was well on his way to breaking the single season FBS record of 20.5 sacks set by Elvis Dumerville in 2004, but he got injured in November with a knee injury that required surgery.
This kept Green out of the combine and all star games and prevented him from having a pro day. All of that really hurt his draft status. He was more than likely a lock to be drafted before the injury. After he got hurt it ruined his chances. Even though he several teams showing interest.
Green, who despite the injury was named Sun Belt Defensive Tackle Player of the Year, has been working to get back to football and heal up from his torn ACL. The road would be long for him to make a 53-man roster this year, but that shouldn’t stop a team from bringing him in. That team should be the Lions.
Especially since they didn’t draft any edge rushers this year and it’s still a spot that they need to fill out some more. They also have a stable enough roster to take the chance on a guy that has an injury.
Interestingly enough, the Lions did sign his former teammate Isaac Ukwu. Perhaps Ukwu could put in the good word for his old running mate. Keep your eyes out for Green.