4 super under-the-radar players who could make the Detroit Lions’ 53-man roster
Detroit Lions training camp always produces a few unexpected roster surprises. These four very overlooked players have real shots to surprise everyone and make the 53-man roster.
The Detroit Lions open training camp next Monday, and the 53-man roster picture is far from settled. Detroit has depth questions at edge rusher, tight end, defensive tackle, and linebacker that could open the door for players most fans aren’t thinking about. Before the pads come on, here are four under-the-radar names worth tracking throughout camp and the preseason.
Edge rusher Anthony Lucas
For starters, undrafted rookie Anthony Lucas might have the best shot of any undrafted free agent to make this team. The question everyone kept asking at OTAs and mandatory minicamp was simple: how did this guy not get drafted? He’s got the size, the length, the wingspan. He’s got so much of what the Lions are looking for in a big edge-setting run stuffer with pass rush ability.
The reason he went undrafted is consistency. Sometimes he’ll be dominant against the run but disappear as a pass rusher. Other times he’ll flash rushing the quarterback but struggle to set the edge. He hasn’t put it all together yet.
I’m not saying Lucas is going to be a star. Frankly, I don’t think any of these guys will be. But I look at him and think he could absolutely be a rotational edge for Detroit, someone in the mold of John Cominsky who comes off the bench, gets some snaps, and gets things done.
Tight end Zach Horton
Horton was an undrafted rookie last year who spent most of the 2025 season on the practice squad, getting just a tiny bit of playing time. What stands out about him is his blocking ability. He showed in college that he can be a quality blocker, and on paper, I think his blocking upside is better than Brock Wright and better than Tyler Conklin. He also has the ability to play fullback.
I need to see him on the field more. I need to see what he looks like at training camp and in preseason action. But I see something in him. Making the roster would require the Lions to carry four tight ends, and somebody would have to shockingly not make it. It’s an outside chance, but I feel like he has one.
Defensive tackle Myles Adams
Adams has been with the Lions since the 2024 season, when he came in after Thanksgiving during the injury crisis. He played against Green Bay in the second matchup and had a big run stuff against Josh Jacobs. In 2025, he played a little bit, and when he was out there, he played fine. Lions coach Dan Campbell has brought him up multiple times for how well he performs in practice.
There are two routes for Adams. Either he becomes a rotational nose tackle off the bench, or he becomes a Chris Smith type where the coaching staff just likes you, and you’re going to be part of this team no matter what. Part of me thinks the Lions are waiting for him to check a couple more boxes before they give him a roster spot.
The interior of Detroit’s defensive line isn’t deep right now. Tyliek Williams, Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurkie, and Skyler Gil-Howard are the only four guys I feel somewhat sure about. Beyond that, there’s an opening. The Lions don’t have a true nose tackle beyond Williams, and Adams could fill that role.
Linebacker Erick Hunter
Hunter is the undrafted free agent out of Morgan State who got some substantial guaranteed money from Detroit. That says the Lions are intrigued, but guaranteed money for undrafted players has never been a guarantee of a roster spot.
The linebacker room is mostly set with Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Jimmy Rolder, and Malcolm Rodriguez. Beyond those four, I think it’s open. Damone Clark has a chance to take a role, and Trevor Nowaske has been that Sam linebacker. But after that, if Hunter can come out and have a strong training camp and show up well in situational football during the preseason, he has a real chance to knock off either Clark or Nowaske or both.
I have the Lions carrying six linebackers into the season, and I absolutely believe Hunter could be that sixth guy. For him, it comes down to situational football and what he can do on special teams. That’s going to be his key to making this team.
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