With the Lions kicking off rookie minicamp yesterday, the team was busy adding 15 undrafted free agents to their roster:
- OL Brad Cecil (South Florida)
- WR Chase Cota (Oregon)
- LB Isaac Darkangelo (Illinois)
- DL Cory Durden (North Carolina State)
- OL Connor Galvin (Baylor)
- CB Steven Gilmore (Marshall)
- RB Mohamed Ibrahim (Minnesota)
- S Brandon Joseph (Notre Dame)
- QB Adrian Martinez (Kansas State)
- DL Zach Morton (Akron)
- LB Trevor Nowaske (Saginaw Valley State)
- DL Chris Smith (Notre Dame)
- OL Ryan Swoboda (Central Florida)
- CB Starling Thomas V (UAB)
- WR Keytaon Thompson (Virginia)
Per Tim Twentyman of the team’s website, Lions Brad Holmes expressed enthusiasm about their year’s UDFA class, with the GM noting that three unspecified players were actually on Detroit’s draft board.
One of the team’s most notable additions is Steven Gilmore, the younger brother of former NFL DPOY Stephon Gilmore. The Marshall product had nine interceptions and 34 passes defended during his five collegiate season, and his ability to play multiple positions in the secondary (plus special teams) could give him a strong opportunity to earn a roster spot.
The Lions used a third-round pick on Hendon Hooker, but that didn’t stop them from adding a QB in free agency. Adrian Martinez had a prolific showing at Nebraska before transferring to Kansas State, where he paired an underwhelming 1,261 passing yards with 627 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. His passing inconsistency led to him going undrafted, but the Lions could get creative with how they use the dynamic runner.
Speaking of, Keytaon Thompson was a backup quarterback at Mississippi State before transferring to Virginia as a wideout. He was productive in the slot during his two seasons as Virginia, hauling in 131 receptions for 1,569 yards.