Islanders get major update on Kashawn Aitcheson's future
Major Update on Kashawn Aitcheson's Future with the Islanders
The Detroit Lions have signed nine undrafted free agents (UDFAs) in addition to their seven draft picks for the 2026 NFL season. Last year, none of the UDFAs made the roster, ending a 15-year streak of at least one undrafted player being included.
Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman (87) hurdles Alabama defensive back Dijon Lee Jr. (5) during a college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Oct. 18, 2025. | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In addition to theĀ seven selected players in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions have also added another nine rookies to their roster from the undrafted free agent (UDFA) market.
Last season, none of the Lionsā UDFAs made the initial roster, breaking a 15-year streak in which at least one undrafted rookie found a spot on the 53-man roster. Letās take a closer look at the players who will be looking to start a new streak in Detroit in 2026.
Consensus Ranking: 242
Erikās Rankings: 286
Altmyer began his career at Mississippi but transferred to Illinois after two seasons, finishing his final three years of college in Champaign. Over that time with the Illini, Altmyer was highly decorated, winning 23 of his 35 starts (second-most in team history) and posting a 64.4% completion percentage, 7,607 passing yards, 57 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, along with 741 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
Strengths
The Detroit Lions signed nine undrafted free agents in 2026, including quarterback Luke Altmyer from Illinois.
Last season, none of the Lions' UDFAs made the initial roster, breaking a 15-year streak of having at least one undrafted rookie on the 53-man roster.
The Detroit Lions selected seven players in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Luke Altmyer plays as a quarterback for the Detroit Lions.
Major Update on Kashawn Aitcheson's Future with the Islanders
Astros' Tatsuya Imai will make his next start despite a rough outing.
Oregon Ducks baseball faces crucial series against USC for NCAA hopes
Toronto Maple Leafs officially part ways with head coach Craig Berube.
ESPN is bringing a unique beachfront experience to Super Bowl LXI!
Sergio Ramos follows Messi and Ronaldo's path with Sevilla ownership plans
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
Weaknesses
Altmyer was a draftable prospect on the consensus board, meaning there were several draft profiles on his skill set. Here are a few excerpts from some of the best:
Erikās Rankings: 269
After one season at a community college in Kansas, Kitselmanās play caught the attention of the SEC, and he transferred to Alabama for two seasons before finishing his career in Tennessee. After being a backup for the Tide, Kitselman started all 24 games over his two seasons in Knoxville.
Kitselman is known for his balance as a blocker and receiver. In 2025, he secured 26 receptions for 253 yards (9.7 average) and scored two touchdowns in 2025. He was primarily used as a TE-Y, and lined up āinlineā or in the backfield on 77.2% of his snaps.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Draft expert excerpts:
Priestly began his career at Grambling, where he started for two seasons at left tackle, before transferring to Illinois, where he played right tackle for his final two collegiate seasons. In his 48 career starts (1,608 pass blocking snaps), Priestley allowed 60 pressures and just seven sacks, per PFF.
While he has four years of starting experience at tackle, he is projected to kick inside to guard in the NFL due to his arm length and footwork, noting in a recent interview that NFL teams are suggesting to him that he would likely play guard or center, but could also kick out to tackle in emergency spots.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Reported contract terms: $300,000 guaranteed
After spending four years at Notre Dame as a reserve, Keanaaina transferred to California for his final two seasons in college, starting all 26 games over that span. He applied for a seventh year of eligibility due to an ACL injury that cost him the 2022 season, but was denied. During his time as a starter at Cal, Keenaaina registered 45 tackles, 1 sack, 2.5 tackles for loss in 2024, and 54 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss in 2025.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Consensus Ranking: 160
Erikās Rankings: 198
By far, Anthony Lucas was the highest player on the consensus board to sign with the Lions as an undrafted player. A highly recruited five-star high school athlete, Lucas started his college career at Texas A&M before transferring to USC for his final three seasons.
While Lucas flashed during his time in LAāand even had some projecting him as a potential first-rounder early in 2024āhe never lived up to those expectations and finished his career with pedestrian numbers. He only started for two seasons at USC (missing the back half of his junior year due to injury) and didnāt register a sack until his senior year (three total). His final stat line in 2025 was 37 tackles, three sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery.
That being said, Lucas is a prime example of a player who will get a shot in the NFL based on his upside and physical traits: 6-foot-5 1/2, 256 pounds, 34 3/8-inch arm length, 85 1/8-in wingspan.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Draft expert excerpts:
OāNeill started his collegiate career at a community college (Long Island) in New York from 2021 through 2023, spent the 2024 season tearing up opponents at James Madison, and then closed out his career at Rutgers in 2025. At James Madison, OāNeill shone, registering 52 tackles, 13 sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss, an interception return for a touchdown, and three pass deflections. Those numbers cooled in 2025 at Rutgers, where he registered 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, and two pass deflections.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Reported contract terms: $175,000 guaranteed
Hunter spent all five years of his college career at Morgan State, starting 10 of the first 20 games over his first two seasons, then earning a full-time starting role in 2023. An injury cost him most of the 2024 season (he played in one game), but he returned for his senior year in 2025 at full strength and dominated, registering 102 tackles (leading the MEAC), four sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. He would finish his career second on Morgan Stateās career tackles leaders with 298 career tackles.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Draft expert excerpts:
Brown began his college career at Kansas State, but after two seasons as a backup, he transferred to South Florida and immediately won a starting job at outside corner. After three seasons starting at USF, Brown transferred to UNLV for his final season, and the Rebels kicked him inside to nickel, where he once again earned a starting role.
While Brown had three years of starting experience starting on the outside, he looked like a natural in the slot, securing four interceptions in his first four games in 2025, including taking two to the house for scores. He would go on to expand his role to safety throughout the season, expanding his overall skill set.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Rucker began his career at Tennessee, but after seeing limited action over his first two seasons, he suffered a season-ending injury in his third. He then transferred to USF for his final two seasons, where he earned a starting role. While Rucker played primarily on the outside (1,123 snaps), he does have a bit of slot (270) and safety (74) experience under his belt. In 2025, Rucker allowed 31 receptions on 53 targets, allowing 341 yards, but just one touchdown.
Strengths
Weaknesses