Lions UDFA Signings

[Whitley]

WR
Isaiah Williams (Illinois) 240k
Jalon Calhoun (Duke)

C
Bryan Hudson (Louisville)
Duke Clemens (UCLA) 60k

EDGE
Isaac Ukwu (Ole Miss)
Nate Lynn (William and Mary)

LB
DaRon Gilbert (Northern Illinois) (LB/S)
Steele Chambers (Ohio State)

LS
Hogan Hetten (Idaho)

S
Chelen Games (Wake Forest)

TE
Isaac Rex (BYU)

CB
Morice Norris (Fresno State)

[Whitley]

Isaiah Williams NFL.COM Profile

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst

Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7

Overview


Three-year starter and two-time team captain who stair-stepped his production and impact in each season. Williams' size limits his contested-catch success, but he’s still a tough player. He’s an NFL slot but has aligned around the field at Illinois. He has the makings of becoming an above-average route runner with an expanded route tree, but his 4.63-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine could hurt his stock despite solid testing in other areas. His limited catch radius requires a more accurate quarterback, but he plays with talent and determination once the ball is in his hands. He can be asked to work across all areas of the field and has both gadget and punt return ability. Williams is competitive and versatile but must prove he can play fast to become a WR4 as a Day 3 pick. Strengths

• Excellent competitiveness and plays bigger than his size.
• Has footwork and change of direction for trickier routes.
• Manipulates defender’s leverage and runs routes with speed variance.
• Slippery with the ball in his hand after the catch and on punt returns.
• Former quarterback with run/pass potential on gadget plays.

Weaknesses

• Routes lack crisp cuts and attention to detail at times.
• Frequently has potential catches jarred loose by defender’s impact.
• Struggles to bring in off-frame throws with heat on them.
• Has had three muffed punts over the last two seasons.

[edindetroit]

And still no kicker.

[Whitley]

Bryan Hudson C Nfl.com Profile

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst

Draft Projection
Priority free agent

Overview

Hudson has all the intangibles a coach could want. He’s a leader who is driven, smart and a good communicator. While he has adequate strength, he needs to add more mass to help bolster his anchor against NFL power. He knows where to go but might not have the athleticism to get to those spots on time. He’s reliable and tough but could have a hard time earning a roster spot as a likely center-only prospect.

Strengths

• Self-starter with high-end work ethic and football intelligence.
• Elite shot-putter with good core strength and hip explosion.
• Gets to his work with tight, inside hands.
• Maintains base width through protection mirroring.
• Adequate job of putting helmet on helmet to occupy single blocks.

Weaknesses

• Below-average mass could become an issue against NFL size.
• Struggles to keep blocks centered using foot quickness.
• Gets out of balance when working combo blocks up to the linebacker.
• Helmet drifts too far forward, preventing ideal extension/separation.
• Beaten by cross-face counters due to excessive lateral lean.

[Whitley]

Steele Chambers LB Ohio State NFL.COM Profile

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst

Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7

Overview

Chambers is a running back-turned-linebacker with three years of starting experience at his new position. His background seems to have spawned a natural feel for where the runner is headed, and he often ends up in or near that lane. He plays with decisiveness and quick lateral scrape in an attempt to stay ahead of the blocking scheme. He needs to get stronger and improve his block take-on technique, and there is still room for improvement against wide zone running plays. He's not a burner but is rangy enough for full-field pursuit and coverage duties. The physical traits are average, but his nose for the football puts him in line for a backup role with upward mobility.

Strengths

• Will fit his gap and spill action wide or set an edge to contain.
• Pounces on top of combo blocker to short-circuit the climb up.
• Fairly decisive in his read and reaction to early play development.
• Has a talent for wiggling away from blockers in tight quarters.
• Athletic tackler with ability to find entry points from challenging angles.
• Possesses coverage potential in man or zone as a pro.

Weaknesses

• Needs improved upper-body strength to take on blocks.
• Can get thrown out of the club if blocker sinks into him.
• Drifts downhill without a plan and gets trapped behind bodies.
• Can be conned by counters and misdirection.
• Short arms could create issues for him as wrap-up finisher in the league.

[Whitley]

Isaac Rex TE NFL,COM Profile

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst

Draft Projection
Priority free agent

Overview
Rex burst onto the scene in 2020, making 37 catches for 429 yards and 12 touchdowns with Zach Wilson at quarterback for BYU, but he’s failed to match any of those totals since. He has good size but is too tight-hipped to bend and leverage blocks with consistent success. He’s an average route runner, but he does have good catch instincts in space and quality hands outside his frame. Rex suffered a broken ankle in 2021 and might not have the same high-point talent he once showed. He’s effective after the catch and is a smart player, but he could face long odds to become a TE3/4 in the NFL.

Strengths

• Scored 24 touchdowns in last four seasons.
• Good instincts to find catch space with coverage around him.
• Natural hands allow him to pluck the ball out of the air while on the move.
• Decent wiggle and vision to add yards after short catches.
• More effective as a move blocker getting out on the edges.

Weaknesses

• A little heavy-legged getting off the line and into his route release.
• Needs to improve his ability to uncover with route acumen.
• Doesn’t seem to have the same lift since suffering a severe ankle injury in 2021.
• Gets into run blocks with poor bend and elevated pad level.
• Struggles to stand ground and ends up allowing penetration.

[Whitley]

Morice Norris CB (Fresno State) NFL.COM Profile

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst

Draft Projection
Priority free agent

Overview
Nickel cornerback with good length and solid athletic-testing numbers but a lack of consistency. Norris has the physical talent for man coverage but gets manipulated out of position by route runners and isn’t always confident with his zone duties. He plays the run with good aggression and will attack ball-carriers with some zeal. His coverage has too many holes and might prevent Norris from getting much of a pro look.

Strengths
Good testing for explosion and short-area quickness.

• Above-average wingspan for a nickel cornerback.
• Finds the football once he’s in phase with the route.
• Urgent when supporting run and willing to lay into ball-carrier.

Weaknesses

• Manipulated out of leverage and beaten across his face in coverage.
• Had more dropped would-be interceptions than interceptions.
• Ends up attempting too many arm tackles.
• Unlikely to provide help on special teams.

[El Axe]

image.png

[El Axe]

image.png

[Blue Lagoon58]

And still no kicker.

Lolo, some fans just don't wanna get it

[froot loops]

The Lions have the inside track to Jake Bates .

[Topweasel]

I read they signed Jason Turner from UofM.

[El Axe]

I read they signed Jason Turner from UofM.

James Turner

https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/4/28/24143643/detroit-lions-sign-udfa-kicker-michigan-james-turner

[Topweasel]

I have heard it both ways.

[El Axe]

Listening to the All_22 youtuber on the Lions draft, and he mentions that Nate Lynn has a legit shot at being an NFL player. Imagine having two William & Mary players on your roster. I didn't have that on my bingo card, lol