Our staff makes their picks for the best Detroit Lions undrafted rookie free agent signings in the 2025 class.
For the past 14 years, the Detroit Lions have had at least one undrafted rookie make their initial 53-man roster. But with the team’s strong and deep roster, is this the year that streak finally ends?
In the next installment of our 2025 Detroit Lions draft recap roundtable, our staff makes their choices for the UDFA with the best chance to make an impact and be that player who makes the 53-man roster. You can see the entire list of reported Detroit Lions UDFA signings here .
Previously:
Which undrafted rookie has the best chance to make an impact?
Erik Schlitt: Jackson Meeks, WR, Syracuse
Meeks is a developing WR-X option with NFL-level special teams play. With the trouble the Lions have had finding a long-term solution at the “X” role, there’s enough upside on offense and immediate contributing potential on special teams that he could be very much in the mix for the Lions WR6 role.
Hamza Baccouche: Mason Miller, OT, North Dakota State
For me, it’s definitely OL Mason Miller, judging based on the signing bonus and his position. The Lions have a long history of developing undrafted backup tackles, and I would expect he’s going to be the next one on that list.
John Whiticar: Caden Prieskorn, TE, Ole Miss
This could be the first year in a while where no UDFAs make the initial roster. With such a tight race, there are two things I am looking at: opportunity and money. Out of every UDFA signed thus far, I think the best chance of making the roster is at tight end. Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright are firmly TE1 and TE2, but the only veterans competing for TE3 (and maybe TE4) are Shane Zylstra and Kenny Yeboah. Neither of those names are sure-fire bets to make the roster, meaning an undrafted rookie to feasibly usurp them with a solid training camp. The Lions signed two UDFA tight ends, Prieskorn and Zach Horton, but not only was Prieskorn a higher-rated prospect (draftable by many experts), but he also earned a reported $60,000 signing bonus—not an insignificant amount.
Max Gerber: Ian Kennelly, S, Grand Valley State
Detroit’s safety group is still looking thin, even with the addition of Dan Jackson in the seventh round. Ian Kennelly, out of Grand Valley, is a great athlete and has all the measurables of an NFL safety. He obviously won’t be a guy taking many reps on defense, but his size and speed make him a strong candidate to be a core special teamer. An undrafted defensive back has made the 53-man roster almost every year under Brad Holmes, and I think Kennelly will be that guy this year.
Brandon Knapp: Caden Prieskorn, TE, Ole Miss
The team needs a better option at TE3, and Caden has a chance to win that job
Ryan Mathews: Caden Prieskorn, TE, Ole Miss
Prieskorn is a Michigan native and a no-star recruit who worked his way from Fork Union Military Academy to Ole Miss by his senior season. As a pass-catcher, Prieskorn has the opportunity to push for Shane Zylstra’s spot on the roster as a reliable target.
Morgan Cannon: None
At this point, the Lions’ roster is too advanced for there to be a lot of opportunities for UDFAs. Maybe there will be chances for guys to push for a practice squad spot in the right situation.
Jeremy Reisman: Jackson Meeks, WR, Syracuse
I don’t think his $200,000 guaranteed is some sort of message to his uncle Za’Darius Smith, I think there’s legitimate promise here. Meeks originally went to Georgia, but after not cracking the lineup in three years, he went to Syracuse and balled out with 78 catches, 1,021 yards, and touchdowns. And at 6-foot-2, 213 pounds, he has the build and physicality of a WR-X.