Which Detroit Lions UDFAs Could Make An Impact In 2016?

Quinshad Davis, wide receiver, North Carolina
($3,000 signing bonus)

Eric Ebron was reunited with a college teammate when the Lions signed Davis, North Carolina’s career leader in touchdowns and receptions with 25 and 205 respectively in his four years as a starter. Before the draft, Dane Brugler of CBS Sports compared him favorably to former Tar Heel and current Tennesee Titans receiver Hakeem Nicks. He is long and strong at 6’3″, 218, but only runs a 4.69 40-yard dash and lacks quickness.

Davis is one of three UDFA receivers the Lions signed after the draft and the only one who was guaranteed a signing bonus. The Lions currently have 13 receivers on the roster, but the only two who are likely to be guaranteed a spot right now are Golden Tate and recently-signed former Cincinnati Bengal Marvin Jones.

TJ Jones is the Lions most likely starting slot receiver, so the battle for the other roster spots will likely come down to another recently-signed veteran Andre Caldwell, Davis, Corey Fuller, former New York Jet Jeremy Kerley, and UDFA Jay Lee, although there are other receivers on the roster that could make a run with an impressive camp.

Davis compares athletically and physically to Fuller, so there will likely be direct competition between those two to become the backup outside receiver. Given that Fuller’s production has not been impressive and that he just underwent foot surgery which will keep him out for an undetermined amount of time, the door appears to be opening for Davis to have a chance to become the Lions’ third outside receiver.

If the Lions ever needed an emergency quarterback, they could definitely do worse than Davis, who completed all four of his passing attempts in college for 121 yards and four touchdowns, earning a passer rating of 684.1. Judging by this throw and this throw, Davis has a decent spiral and can hit receivers in stride. Maybe the Lions will have some fun with his passing ability in the preseason.

Next: WR Jay Lee