With the Detroit Lions' 2026 draft class in the books, attention will shift to identifying and signing players from the undrafted rookie pool, including plenty of interesting options. While it is always an incredible uphill battle to make the roster from this position, the Lions are without the quality depth they enjoyed after recent years of success led to losses in free agency and new contracts that made it more difficult to replace lost production.
This makes it far more likely that the franchise will find depth not only in this year's draft class but with the undrafted player pool that is looking to embrace the underdog role and make the team's final roster. With this in mind, let's look at the three names who could have the best shot to earn a roster spot as we draw closer to the summer.
1. Luke Altmyer, QB, Illinois
Before signing Altmyer, the only quarterbacks on Detroit's active roster were Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater. This duo is clearly locked onto the roster, leaving the emergency role open, one that Altmyer would currently fill if the season started today. While it is still fair to expect the team to bring in other options to take preseason and camp reps, Altmyer has a leg up on any potential competition.
For the Lions, devoting a year or two to developing Altmyer as a viable backup option could be worth it. This is especially possible with the stability of an experienced backup rostered in Bridgewater, along with Goff's typical durability. There is a real path for Altmyer making Detroit's final roster ahead of the 2026 season.
2. Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC
While Detroit's starting edge rushers might be locked in for the 2026 season, there is a real question around the team's depth. It should be an open competition for spots on the team's final roster, with those competitors having a real chance to break into the rotation. Rushing the passer consistently was an issue for the Lions when it came to depth rushing options. The team's starters were productive, but the rest of the team offered very little. That must change in 2026.
This should give the Lions an open mind with Lucas and what the undrafted FA signing might provide. Despite not playing football until high school, the edge rusher found his way into a talented USC rotation, offering 21 pressures and flashing abilities that could translate to the next level. While it remains an uphill battle, the recent struggles at the position open the door for Lucas heading into camp and the 2026 preseason.
3. Aamaris Brown, CB, UNLV
The story in the secondary is eerily similar to what the Lions have dealt with at edge rusher, as injuries consistently stretched the team's limited depth. This is what makes Brown an interesting addition. While the defender has experience lining up all over the field, his primary value is as a potential slot corner. That defensive flexibility, as well as the potential for special teams contributions, makes the defender a name to keep an eye on early in Detroit's camp and into the preseason.
Brown finished his final season with a trio of sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss, flashing anticipation that allowed the corner to break up plays before they began. While there are obvious questions about the quality of competition that Brown faced, this could all be wiped away with a strong camp and preseason showing. Detroit's lack of recent depth makes the defender's flexibility tempting and leaves the door open to making the final roster.
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