The Detroit Lions have become one of the NFL's elite teams in recent years largely due to their tremendous work in the draft. Every year, it seems they find new talented rookies to come in and immediately contribute.
They've seen some success with undrafted players as well, and they've got an intriguing class this year with multiple guys who should get a long look this summer. While some in the national space believe the Lions drafted poorly this year, they've got an opportunity to flip the script if some of these undrafted free agents work out.
Dan Campbell embraces physicality in football players and has a certain type of guy that he likes. That's great news for one undrafted player in particular who could soon become Campbell's favorite Lion.
Detroit Lions TE/FULLBACK Zach Horton has some fun film to watch 🔥
— Lukas Klotz 🤝 (@1ukasklotz) April 28, 2025
Going to be interesting to see how Dan Campbell & John Morton use him in camp.
Great blocker, who compiled 623 Yards with 12 TD’s while at Indiana & JMU.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/Y7TOkq1PkU
Lions UDFA TE/FB Zach Horton Poised to Impress Dan Campbell This Summer
Indiana TE/FB Zach Horton signed with the organization and could make himself a fixture in the run game long-term. As Colton Pouncy of The Athletic points out, there's a lot to like about Horton.
"Horton is an old-school prospect and it’s no surprise to see the Lions in on him as a UDFA. He played tight end and fullback for James Madison, before following coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana," Pouncy writes. "He has teach tape as a blocker and shows a physicality in the run game that likely appealed to the Lions. Detroit hasn’t had a true fullback on the roster since Jason Cabinda, but if they’re looking to return to that under John Morton, Horton fits that bill. Keep an eye on him."
Horton had just 21 catches for 189 yards in 2024, but his work blocking is where he truly shines. It's no secret that the Lions embrace a strong rushing attack, hoping to utilize a ferocious offensive line to give Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery room. It's been a successful strategy, so it makes sense that the organization is going back to the well with a sublime blocker.
Undrafted rookies always face an uphill climb to make any NFL roster. There's a real chance for Horton to stick around though, and his physicality will make him a favorite of Campbell early.
Whether there's space for him on the team remains to be seen, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Horton land a spot on the practice squad at the very least, thanks to what he brings to the table. Campbell wants his guys to "bite kneecaps," and Horton can do exactly that.