Even though GM Brad Holmes recently praised the depth of the Detroit Lions' offensive and defensive lines, question marks remain in both areas. Some Lions fans were hoping for more significant additions to the defensive line. Instead, the front office is counting heavily on internal development.
Defensive tackle will be particularly important. After the departures of DJ Reader and Roy Lopez, the Lions are hoping that Tyleik Williams takes a big step forward in his second season. Either Alim McNeill has to go back to his pre-injury self, or depth addition Jay Tufele contributes more than expected. Otherwise, the Lions may not be as deep as they think on the interior.
This presents an opportunity for players further down the pecking order, including undrafted free agents. After the NFL Draft, defensive tackle Aidan Keanaaina signed a deal with the Lions with $267,500 in guarantees. This shows that the Lions believe in him and can see him as a part of this team.
UDFA DT Aidan Keanaaina might be the depth piece the Lions need
The fact that the Lions made such a big investment in a UDFA in a position of need is not a coincidence. Keanaaina is a six-foot-three, 320-pound defensive tackle who has had a ton of success at Notre Dame and Cal. He has especially thrived as a run defender.
There is certainly a role for a run-stuffing defensive tackle in the Lions' rotation. In terms of his size and skill set, Keanaaina is a prototypical nose tackle. His measurements make him the closest DJ Reader replacement on the team.
Even though there are plenty of valuable players still left unsigned, the Lions aren't expected to be active in free agency between now and training camp. Detroit doesn't really have the financial flexibility to add a true difference-maker to any position right now. This means that unproven players like Keanaaina will have a chance to impress and make their case to make the 53-man roster.
As a six-year college player, Keanaaina has a ton of experience despite being a rookie. Even if he doesn't crack the 53-man roster, he will almost certainly be a practice squad option.
Last season, the Lions had six DTs on the 53-man roster: Reader, Williams, Lopez, Pat O'Connor, Mekhi Wingo, and Chris Smith. McNeill had begun the season on the PUP list. If the Lions bring as many tackles into the roster again this season, Keanaaina should have a very good chance.
Levi Onwuzurike will begin the season healthy, McNeill will begin the campaign as a starter, and Williams and Tufele should be the backups. Behind them, Keanaaina has as good a chance as anybody to sneak into the active roster. Whether he can impress when the OTAs start later this month will speak volumes about his eventual fate in Detroit.
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