ALLEN PARK — A historic draft is in the books, but the weekend is far from over for the Detroit Lions.
Undrafted free agency is now underway, an important wave of the player acquisition phase that fortifies competition for the summer and usually produces at least one player on the 53-man roster. Last year, cornerback Steven Gilmore made the team out of training camp and spent all 18 weeks on the 53-man roster after going undrafted out of Marshall.
We’ll track all the undrafted signings that roll in, but it’s important to remember these are verbal agreements and non-binding. The deals should become official in the coming days, ahead of the start of rookie minicamp in two weeks.
Of particular note, the Lions have agreed to give Illinois All-Big Ten receiver/returner Isaiah Williams a $15,000 signing bonus and $225,000 in salary guarantees, a huge amount of money for a UDFA. Detroit clearly believes he has a chance to make the roster.
Jalon Calhoun, WR, Duke: A former high-school quarterback who led Duke in receiving as a true freshman. Caught 253 passes for 3,026 yards and 17 touchdowns in five seasons, and became the fourth Blue Devils player ever to crash the 3,000-yard barrier. Calhoun (5-foot-10 and 186 pounds) also has return potential, returning 26 punts for 258 yards, an average of 9.9 a pop. (source)
Steele Chambers, LB, Ohio State: Enrolled at Ohio State as a running back before moving to linebacker and making 30 straight starts at WILL linebacker. Led the Buckeyes in tackles last season. (source)
Duke Clemons, C, UCLA: Started 34 straight games at center to finish his career, and was named second-team all-conference after this past season. Received $60,000 in guaranteed money, a good sign that Detroit is high on his chances to contribute this summer. (source)
Chelen Garnes, S, Wake Forest: Had 66 tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, five pass breakups and two fumble recoveries while playing every game this past season, and making 11 starts. (source)
DaRon Gilbert, LB/S, Northern Illinois: Detroit native who began his career as a safety at FCS Lafayette, where he had 137 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two picks and nine passes defended in four seasons. Transferred to Northern Illinois for his final season and moved to linebacker, finishing with 51 tackles. Ran the 40 in 4.70 seconds at his pro day, according to the school. (source)
Hogan Hatten, LS, Idaho: Started 25 games at long snapper the last two seasons. Also blocked a punt and recorded a safety. I’m officially intrigued. (source)
Bryan Hudson, OL, Louisville: A four-time shot put state champion from Kentucky who grew up on a farm and developed his strength by throwing bales of hay, according to this story. At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, Hudson went on to play 59 games for Virginia Tech and Louisville, earning starts across the interior before settling in at center. Played through a Grade 2 sprained PCL most of last season. Does this sound like a Dan Campbell type or what? (source)
Isaac Rex, TE, BYU: Superb blocker with excellent hands. Caught 112 passes for 1,385 yards and 24 touchdowns, a school record for a tight end. (source)
Isaac Ukwu, DE, Ole Miss: Had 27.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks in 28 games at James Madison before transferring to Ole Miss for his final season. At 6-foot-2 and 261 pounds, he wasn’t nearly as productive in the SEC, finishing with 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 13 games. (source)
Illinois WR Isaiah Williams: Got a $15,000 signing bonus and $225,000 in salary guarantees to come to Detroit, significant money that signals the Lions believe he could make the team in the fall. Williams spent two seasons at quarterback and once ran for 192 yards in a game, a school record for a QB. Moved to receiver for his final three seasons and led the team in receiving each of those years. Led the Big Ten with 82 catches this past year, racked up 1,055 yards and was named first-team All-Big Ten as a wideout, plus earned honorable mention for his work as a punt returner. The return ability should be appealing to Detroit. (source)
