In 2021, the Detroit Lions struck paydirt with a handful of undrafted free agent rookies. Given opportunities on a low-end roster, several UDFAs made major contributions and proved they are part of the long-term rebuild, notably CB Jerry Jacobs and OG Tommy Kraemer. Jacobs proved to be one of the top rookie CBs in the NFL, outperforming many players drafted in the first two days.
Who is this year’s UDFA most likely to impact the Lions roster in 2022 and beyond?
Detroit’s options in 2022 are far more limited. After the 8-man draft class, the Lions technically only had four remaining roster spots available to sign undrafted rookies. There is some clutter on the roster of holdovers that will get whittled down soon, but for now, there are four candidates.
All four received at least $100,000 to join the Lions:
- San Diego State RB Greg Bell
- San Jose State TE Derrick Deese Jr.
- TCU OT Obinna Eze
- Michigan State OL Kevin Jarvis
Of that group, Eze has the clearest path to making the team. The 6-6, 321-pound Eze has freakish length as a pass protector on the edge. His arms are over 36 inches long and he has a good understanding of how to use his length to force pass rushers traipse a very wide circle to get around him to the outside.
That’s the precise type the Lions have looked for as a reserve offensive tackle. Eze is competing for a spot with Matt Nelson and Dan Skipper. Nelson is 6-7, Skipper is almost 6-10. Like Eze, both are limited movers who win with length and a powerful initial punch but struggle facing quickness and inside moves.
The Lions coaches still seem enamored with Nelson’s development as he continues to transition from college DE to NFL offensive tackle. But Skipper is definitely vulnerable. Now entering his sixth NFL season, Skipper has played in 10 games in his career across six teams. It’s now his third stint with the Lions. In short, the upside appears nil.
Eze should be able to beat out Skipper. The Lions likely had that in mind when inking the Horned Frogs alum to a contract with more guaranteed money than they gave free agent safety DeShon Elliott–who could start for the team.
