A Tough Year to Crack the Roster
Let’s not sugarcoat it—breaking into the Lions' 53-man roster as a UDFA this year is a tall order. The bar is set high, and with the team getting deeper at several positions, the competition is fierce. While “none” might be the safe prediction, there’s still a glimmer of hope for a few standouts who have already made waves during spring workouts and rookie minicamps.
To give some perspective, last year the Lions saw two UDFAs make the initial cut: wide receiver Isaiah Williams and long snapper Hogan Hatten.
Williams managed to snag a spot thanks to injuries at WR and unimpressive performances from other contenders. He was mostly on the sidelines until being waived in Week 11—then scooped up by the Bengals.
Hatten, on the other hand, straight-up earned his keep. He beat out veteran Scott Daly for the long snapper gig and is still hanging around, proving his value.
Editor’s note: Just to clear up any confusion, Jake Bates—who wowed fans with his big-leg kicking—is technically not a rookie. He had a previous stint in Texans camp in 2024.
Now let’s dive into the class of 2025. Who’s got the juice? Who might surprise us? Here’s a look at the four UDFAs with the most realistic shot to make noise in camp and possibly sneak onto the 53.
🔥 1. Luke Deal, Tight End – Auburn
If there’s one name making an early impression, it’s Luke Deal.
Deal didn’t even show up to rookie minicamp with a contract. He was a tryout guy. But what happened next? He crushed it so hard that he pushed out Caden Prieskorn, a much more heralded TE prospect, in just one weekend.
He’s a proven blocker—something the Lions love in a depth TE. Whether it’s pass protection or moving bodies in the run game, Deal brings grit from the SEC trenches. That skillset alone gets him in the door, but his real shot lies in special teams.
In Detroit, the reserve tight end role is heavily special teams-oriented. Just look at Parker Hesse, who earned his 2024 roster spot almost entirely for his third-phase contributions. Deal will need to flash on punt and kickoff units if he wants to edge out guys like Shane Zylstra, Kenny Yeboah, and fellow UDFA Zach Horton.
💥 2. Ian Kennelly, Safety – Grand Valley State
Let’s talk athleticism. Because Ian Kennelly popped the moment he stepped onto the field at rookie minicamp.
Among the secondary, Kennelly looked physically dominant. Size, speed, awareness—it was all there. Coming from D-II powerhouse Grand Valley State, Kennelly isn’t a household name, but his on-field IQ and burst in coverage drills left an impression.
With veterans Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, and Avonte Maddox locked in as the top safeties, there’s very little room left. But the Lions value versatility and special teams, and Kennelly could offer both. He could be the insurance policy behind Joseph—one with upside. While his true defensive reps may be few and far between early on, don’t be surprised if his name starts circulating more as camp rolls along.
🚀 3. Jakobie Keeney-James, Wide Receiver – UMass / Eastern Washington
Speed kills. And Jakobie Keeney-James might just be the fastest man in this year’s UDFA crop for Detroit.
He was explosive during spring sessions—his instant acceleration and reliable hands stood out from the jump. But what makes his situation interesting is the open competition for WR6. If Detroit decides to carry six wideouts, that final spot is up for grabs. The contenders? Names like Tom Kennedy, Ronnie Bell, seventh-rounder Dominic Lovett, and Malik Taylor.
Keeney-James has experience both inside and outside the hash marks, which makes him flexible. What’s missing? Special teams credibility. He wasn’t a return specialist in college, but he was seen working punt return during OTAs. That’s his lifeline. If he can show enough value as a returner, he could sneak onto the roster—or at least the practice squad.
🧱 4. Keith Cooper, Defensive End – Houston
Keith Cooper is a wild card—and that might just work in his favor.
Originally a tryout guy at minicamp, Cooper caused chaos for opposing tackles and tight ends. He’s big-framed, disruptive, and—perhaps most importantly—he’s fighting for a spot in a wide-open DE/EDGE depth chart.
Behind starters like Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Levi Onwuzurike, and Josh Paschal, there’s serious opportunity for a hungry defender to make waves. Cooper’s ability to slide inside on pass-rushing downs—similar to Onwuzurike—only boosts his stock.
But let’s be clear, the path isn’t easy. He’ll need to outshine Al-Quadin Muhammad, Isaac Ukwu, Nate Lynn, and even last year’s sixth-rounder Mekhi Wingo. Still, his upside and positional versatility could turn heads in padded practices.
⚠️ Final Prediction: Longshots with Puncher’s Chances
Heading into training camp, the odds aren’t great for any UDFA to make the 53 outright. And that’s not a knock—it’s just the reality of a stacked roster and limited open slots.
That said, Luke Deal, Ian Kennelly, Jakobie Keeney-James, and Keith Cooper have done enough early on to be in the conversation. While none may land on the final roster, they’re prime candidates for the practice squad, which is often a launching pad for eventual call-ups.
Other names to keep an eye on for practice squad consideration? Anthony Tyus (RB), Mason Miller (OL), and Jackson Meeks (WR). All three showed enough flash to possibly earn developmental spots.
🏁 Closing Thoughts
Training camp is where underdogs become legends—or at least secure their NFL futures. Whether it's a TE like Luke Deal bulldozing his way in, or a raw athlete like Ian Kennelly shining on special teams, Detroit fans should keep an eye out for those under-the-radar stories. The Lions may not have a UDFA break through this year, but these young guns are ready to fight for every inch.
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