In addition to getting their entire seven-player draft class under contract Tuesday, the Lions announced nine UDFA signings. Here is the Lions’ list of undrafted newcomers:
- Luke Altmyer, QB (Illinois)
- Aamaris Brown, DB (UNLV)
- Erick Hunter, LB (Morgan State)
- Aidan Keanaaina, DL (California)
- Miles Kitselman, TE (Tennessee)
- Anthony Lucas, EDGE (USC)
- Eric O’Neill, EDGE (Rutgers)
- Melvin Priestly, OL (Illinois)
- De’Shawn Rucker, CB (USF)
The headliner may be Altmyer, who spent three years as Illinois’ starter after backing up Matt Corral and then Jaxson Dart at Mississippi from 2021-22. The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder is entering the pros after back-to-back 22-touchdown pass seasons in which he led the Fighting Illini to a 19-7 record, including wins over South Carolina in the 2024 Citrus Bowl and Tennessee in the 2025 Music City Bowl.
Altmyer set personal bests in attempts (365), completion percentage (67.4) and yards (3,007) last season, all while throwing just five interceptions. However, given that Altmyer does not possess great size or arm strength, the entire NFL chose to pass on him in the draft. The 23-year-old may have a chance to earn a spot in Detroit, though, as the team does not have any other developmental options behind starter Jared Goff and veteran backup Teddy Bridgewater.
Lucas played one season at Texas A&M before transferring to USC in 2023. Although Lucas recorded his only three college sacks last year, Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranked the 6-5, 256-pounder as the 185th-best prospect available before the draft. Brugler describes the 6-5, 256-pounder as a “battering ram” pass rusher and edge setter who has a chance to carve out a role in the NFL.
The Lions awarded a sizable guarantee to Keanaaina, who will earn $267,500, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. The former Notre Dame defender tore his ACL in 2022, but he showed no ill effects upon transferring to Cal in 2024. Across 26 games (all starts) with the Golden Bears, the 6-3, 320-pounder totaled 101 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Altmyer probably found his best opportunity if they really are only going into camp with 3 QBs. I think most carry 4 in camp.