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    Get to know the 2024 Detroit Lions undrafted free agent class, which have a chance to make the 53-man roster

    By Mike Payton,

    18 days ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4YqrTw_0sgoZTjJ00

    The 2024 NFL Draft has concluded. Now it's time for the Lions and 31 other teams to scatter and try to grab the players that didn't get drafted.

    We will be tracking all of those players here as well as giving back ground on each of them. Here's what we know about each of the Lions undrafted free agents:

    Jalon Calhoun, WR, Duke

    The former quarterback was converted into a wide receiver when he got to Duke. Calhoun set some records while he was a receiver at Duke. He was one of only six players in duke's history to record 3,000 receiving yards and the first Duke player to have 700 yards or more in back to back seasons.

    Calhoun's real chance to make the Lions roster is as a return man. He averaged 9.9 yards per punt last year per Kyle Meinke of Mlive.

    Isaac Ukwu, ED, Ole Miss

    Ukwu spent five years of his six year college career at James Madison before transferring to Ole Miss in 2023 to see if he could play in the SEC. He had a decent season for the Rebels last year with 3.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss.

    Ukwu could be a project for the Lions if he shows off at camp, but right now I'm not sure he could make the 53-man roster.

    Duke Clemmens, C, UCLA

    The Lions sure do love multi sport guys. Clemmens played basketball and baseball in high school. He started at center for UCLA for the last four years in a row. He was a guy that was on Rimmington award watch last season. He has a shot to make the practice squad with the Lions.

    Morice Norris, DB, Fresno State

    Related: Lions UDFA Spotlight: Fresno State's Morice Norris' versatility gives him a shot to make the 53-man roster

    Bryan Hudson, C , Louisville

    Another pretty large offensive lineman for the Lions. Hudson is 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds. Hudson allowed no sacks and three quarterback hits for Louisville in 2023. In addition to being a good pass blocker, he showed some good stuff as a run blocker as well.

    The thing that could prevent his chances of making the roster is that it's just really crowded right now and with Clemmens being a guy that could make the practice squad, Hudson might be the odd man out.

    DaRon Gilbert, LB, Northern Illionois

    The hometown kid has returned to Detroit. The Brother Rice standout had a good season for Northern Illinois last year after transferring from Lafayette college. He finished with 51 combined tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.

    He'll have a hard time making the 53-man roster with so many linebackers on the roster already.

    Steele Chambers, LB, Ohio State

    Related: Lions UDFA Spotlight: Steele Chambers has a WWE name, but a Lions play style that could get him on the 53-man roster

    Isaiah Williams, WR, Illinois

    Another guy that could have a shot at being a return man on this team. He'll give a challenge to Calhoun and Kalif Raymond. Williams had a big year for Illinois with 82 catches for 715 yards and five touchdowns. The Lions showed some interest pre draft as well. They had a virtual interview with Williams.

    Ultimately Williams is guy that I think will land on his feet in the NFL, I just don't think it's in Detroit.

    Chelan Garnes, S, Wake Forrest

    The Lions need depth at safety since it looks like newly drafted Sione Vaki is going to be spending more time on offense and special teams than he will on defense. That gives Garnes a real chance to make this roster the way it's set right now.

    Garnes has some ability to stop the run and go on safety blitzes. I still think Norris has the better shot here, but Garnes could make the practice squad.

    Hogan Hatten, LS, Idaho

    Get ready for a long snapper battle at camp. Scott Daly, who won the job last year is back. Can he do it again against the rookie?

    Nate Lynn, ED, William & Mary

    Brad Holmes sure does love William & Mary players. The Lions now have two on the roster. The other being Colby Sorsdal of course. That's got to be the most in the NFL. The Lions had Lynn in for a top-30 visit. Maybe it's because the Lynn set the school record most career sacks with 28.

    Lynn has a chance to make the practice squad. We'll have to see what he can do at camp before we can be sure.

    Isaac Rex, TE, BYU

    Rex was really good with Zach Wilson as his quarterback, but he's struggled with injuries and recreating that play ever since. With the Lions set at tight end with Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, James Mitchell and Shane Zylstra, it seems pretty unlikely that he would have a chance to make the roster or the practice squad.

    Loren Strickland, DB, Ball State

    Another special teams guy that the Lions are giving a shot to. Strickland was not a starter at Ball state last year. He only started five games in the last two seasons. But he played a lot on special teams and was a captain for the Cardinals.

    It's a real longshot that he would make the roster, but if he can show enough, maybe he'll have a shot at the practice squad.

    James Turner, K, Michigan

    The Lions add a kicker after all. Turner helped Michigan win the National Championship last year by going 18-21 with long of 50 yards.

    As far as making the roster, right now it’s anyones spot to win. Michael Badgley is likely to have multiple opponents in the kicker battle.

    Kinsley Eguakun, C, Florida

    This one certainly changes things. UCLA's Duke Clemmens was the leader in the clubhouse in terms of centers that could make the Lions roster in some way. Eguakun surpasses him at the moment. This is a guy that could potentially make the Lions 53-man roster. It's surprising that he wasn't drafted.

    Eguakun allowed exactly one sack in his three seasons as a starter at Florida. He also only allowed six quarterback hits and 35 pressures. If he doesn't have an ankle injury in 2023, he's a day three pick.

    Related: Detroit Lions full 2024 NFL Draft grades for all six picks, plus cumulative grade

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